US President Joe Biden delivered a speech defending his foreign policy record, just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The speech served as a farewell address to the State Department and marked the end of Biden’s four-year term in office.
Biden’s administration has faced criticism for its handling of various global crises, including the war on Gaza. However, the outgoing president sought to highlight his achievements, including strengthening US alliances and tackling challenges posed by China. He also defended his decisions on issues like Afghanistan and Israel-Palestine relations.
The speech came as a ceasefire plan for the Gaza conflict reached a critical juncture. Biden’s administration has spearheaded UN Security Council efforts to broker a deal between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, but a final agreement remains elusive.
Biden expressed hope that his months-old proposal would soon come to fruition, saying he had recently spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He also emphasized the importance of NATO alliances, citing improved relationships with regional allies in the Indo-Pacific region.
Critics accused Biden of putting a “positive spin” on his policies, which have been criticized for their handling of the Gaza conflict and other global issues. The speech marked a full-circle moment in US politics, as Biden appealed to the incoming Trump administration to build on his achievements rather than return to isolationist policies.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/13/biden-delivers-final-foreign-policy-speech-as-gaza-ceasefire-talks-continue