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Biden Strengthens US-UK Ties

During his brief visit to Britain, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his admiration for the unwavering friendship between Washington and its close ally prior to engaging in discussion with King Charles and financial leaders on the pressing matter of addressing climate change.

Biden’s trip to Britain marked the commencement of a three-nation journey that includes the NATO summit in Lithuania, where allies aim to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion while not yet accepting Kyiv as an alliance member. The president’s meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, their fifth encounter in as many months, lasted less than an hour, with a particular focus on Ukraine.

As they sat in the garden of Sunak’s Downing Street office, Biden remarked, “We have a lot to talk about. Our relationship is unwavering. I couldn’t be meeting with a closer friend and a stronger ally.”

Prior to the NATO summit set to commence on Tuesday, Sunak and Biden exchanged notes. Biden urged caution regarding Ukraine’s campaign to join NATO, emphasizing that while the war was ongoing, it would be inappropriate for Ukraine to join the alliance, which obliges member states to come to the aid of any attacked member.

King Charles III greets Joe Biden at Windsor Castle

The British monarch and US president will have tea together, before a discussion on financing the fight against climate change https://t.co/7mY9cr5g4S pic.twitter.com/tnahtASUXG

— Bloomberg (@business) July 10, 2023

During their discussions, the leaders also addressed the U.S. decision to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions. These munitions, banned by over 100 countries, including Britain, are viewed as a potential threat to civilian populations due to their propensity to release numerous smaller bomblets that can cause indiscriminate casualties. Neither Russia, Ukraine, nor the United States has signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits their production, stockpiling, use, and transfer.

Sunak’s spokesperson affirmed their commitment to the convention, which includes discouraging the use of cluster munitions, adding that decisions regarding their use were ultimately left to each country.

Following the meeting, the 80-year-old Biden proceeded to Windsor Castle to meet King Charles, where he received a traditional welcome characterized by grandeur and ceremonial displays in the castle quadrangle.

Biden, in adherence to the long-standing practice of U.S. presidents, had abstained from attending the king’s coronation in May. He warmly exchanged with the 74-year-old monarch before joining banking executives, financiers, and philanthropists to discuss ways to enhance private investments in combating climate change.