Charles Kushner currently serves as the United States Ambassador to the French Republic and the Principality of Monaco. Ambassador Kushner is the Founder and Chairman of Kushner Companies, which is the owner and developer of over 30,000 multifamily residences and several million square feet of commercial space. He graduated with both a BA and MBA from New York University as well as a JD from Hofstra Law School. Ambassador Kushner was appointed to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council by President Bill Clinton. He was also appointed by Governor James McGreevey to serve as a Commissioner on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He has served as a Trustee and Board Member for New York University, Hofstra University, Touro College, Stern College for Women, National Jewish Health, and Elizabethtown Water Company. Both Touro College and Yeshiva University have awarded the Ambassador with Honorary Doctorate Degrees. He has also received awards from Ernst & Young as the New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year. In addition, Ambassador Kushner has received awards from United Cerebral Palsy, American Jewish Congress, and Share Zedek Medical Center. He and his wife Seryl have four children and 14 grandchildren. They are most proud of their family and their philanthropy.
France is the oldest ally of the United States, with U.S.-French diplomatic relations stretching back more than 225 years. Our histories, from the American Revolution to the allied landings in Normandy during World War II, have often been intertwined. Our respective societies have long held great attraction for each other, and generations of thinkers, writers, artists, dancers, and musicians have sought and found inspiration and recognition on each other’s shores.
Diplomatic staff at the American Embassy and at the seven consulates and offices around France work with French counterparts in the government and civil society on a daily basis. Our consulates also provide essential services to Americans visiting or living in the country. France is an important U.S. partner in promoting such common foreign policy objectives as greater democracy, stability, economic growth and prosperity throughout the world.
We also cooperate with France on counter-terrorism and non-proliferation efforts and in promoting respect for human rights. Additionally, France and the United States maintain vibrant and mutually beneficial economic ties. Every business day, the United States and France engage in approximately $1 billion in commercial transactions. French investment in the United States generates over 500,000 jobs for Americans, while U.S. investment in France provides nearly 600,000 jobs. We also work with France to solve trade disputes and to support our trade commitments and common goals in the World Trade Organization. Through our Foreign Commercial Office, Mission staff assist U.S. businesses in France. In support of the Mission’s objectives, the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section undertakes a range of programs to explain U.S. policies and broader American society to the French public in order to foster mutual understanding. There are two consulates, Marseille and Strasbourg, and four American Presence Posts in France: Bordeaux, Lyon, Rennes and Toulouse.
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