U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his support for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to strengthen ties with European counterparts, according to a statement from the UK government released Thursday.
During a meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday, President Biden and Prime Minister Starmer discussed various topics, including the UK-US relationship, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and England’s victory in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
“The President welcomed Prime Minister Starmer’s recent statements on fostering closer relationships with European allies, as well as the UK’s commitment to the AUKUS security pact,” the UK government said. The AUKUS agreement involves Britain, the U.S., and Australia, focusing on security cooperation.
Both leaders emphasized that amid growing global challenges, their strength lies in unity and collaboration.
Starmer, who was in Washington for the NATO summit, also engaged with European leaders such as Germany’s Olaf Scholz. He has outlined his intention to recalibrate the UK’s relationship with the European Union to enhance cooperation in security and trade, aiming to mend the divisions from the 2016 Brexit referendum.
However, Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union.
In their discussions, the leaders underscored their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and expressed a shared goal of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate hostage releases, humanitarian aid, and progress toward a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
