France's new ambassador to the United States begins his tenure after diplomatic row

Aurélien Lechevallier, formerly chief of staff to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, arrived in Washington to begin his role as France's ambassador after a short postponement. He met with Monica Crowley, the U.S. chief of protocol, in a ceremony that signaled the commencement of his duties. The delay stemmed from a diplomatic spat that erupted in late July when the French UN mission posted a message on X questioning the United States' human-rights record, which Washington condemned as hypocritical.

The two sides engaged in talks, and the United States eventually removed the block on Lechevallier's agrément. In video statements, Lechevallier expressed his honor at representing France and his intention to strengthen Franco-American ties.