First Lady Jill Biden embarks on her final solo foreign trip, concluding with an unexpected meeting at Notre Dame Cathedral.
At a Glance
- Jill Biden’s trip includes visits to Italy, UAE, Qatar, and France
- Focus on military families, education, cancer research, and women’s health
- Will visit ancestral hometown in Sicily as first Italian American first lady
- Trip concludes at Notre Dame Cathedral reopening, where Donald Trump will also attend
- Marks her 10th solo international trip as first lady
First Lady’s Diplomatic Journey
First Lady Jill Biden has set off on her final solo foreign trip, a six-day journey spanning four countries. The trip, which began on Tuesday, will take her through Italy, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar before concluding in Paris, France.
The First Lady’s itinerary is packed with engagements focusing on her key advocacy areas: military families, education, cancer research, and women’s health. These visits aim to highlight and reinforce U.S. partnerships abroad, demonstrating the administration’s approach to soft diplomacy.
Italian Heritage and Military Support
As the first Italian American first lady, Jill Biden’s trip holds personal significance. She plans to visit her ancestral hometown of Gesso, Sicily, connecting with her roots and showcasing the diverse heritage of American leadership. The journey begins at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Catania, Italy, where she will meet with military personnel and deliver remarks, emphasizing the administration’s support for service members and their families stationed abroad.
Following her Italian engagements, the First Lady will travel to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. There, she will tour Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and participate in discussions on women’s health research, furthering her advocacy for global health initiatives. She is also scheduled to meet with Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, demonstrating the importance of diplomatic relationships at various levels of government.
Middle East Engagements
In Qatar, the First Lady’s agenda includes visits to the Qatar Foundation and Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, institutions at the forefront of education and medical research in the region. She will also attend a royal family wedding banquet, a gesture that underscores the personal nature of international diplomacy. Before departing for Paris, Jill Biden will deliver the keynote speech at the Doha Forum, addressing global leaders and thinkers on pressing international issues.
This trip marks Jill Biden’s tenth solo international journey as first lady, adding to a robust portfolio of diplomatic engagements. Her past solo trips have included leading U.S. delegations to the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, visiting Ukraine during a time of conflict, and representing the United States at Mexico’s presidential inauguration. These missions reflect the administration’s commitment to maintaining strong international relationships through various channels.
Notre Dame Cathedral Reopening
The First Lady’s trip will culminate in Paris, where she will join other dignitaries to celebrate the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. This event, marking the cathedral’s reconstruction after a devastating fire five years ago, symbolizes resilience and international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage. Notably, former President Donald Trump will also be in attendance, creating an unusual scenario where current and former administration figures will be present at the same international event.
