UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet US President Joe Biden next Friday at the White House. This marks their first meeting since Biden announced his decision not to run for re-election.
The meeting will be Starmer’s second visit to Washington since he took office. His initial visit occurred at the NATO summit shortly after Labour’s election victory when concerns surrounding Biden’s age and health were rampant. Despite the speculation, Starmer reassured the public by stating Biden was “on good form.”
In the aftermath of Biden’s announcement, Vice President Kamala Harris has officially been chosen as the Democratic Party’s nominee for the upcoming presidential election.
Key Issues on the Agenda
A statement released by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre detailed the expected topics for discussion between the two leaders, emphasizing “an in-depth discussion on a range of global issues of mutual interest.”
Among the primary topics is continued “robust support to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression,” which remains a focal point for both the US and UK governments. Another pressing issue on the table is the push for a ceasefire and hostage release deal to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Additionally, discussions will extend to securing international shipping in the Red Sea, which has faced increasing threats from Iranian-backed Houthi groups. Both leaders are also expected to explore ways to bolster cooperation between the US and UK in securing global supply chains and enhancing climate resilience. Starmer and Biden will further focus on promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, reflecting a joint commitment to counterbalance rising threats in that region.
A Focus on US-UK Relations
While the meeting with President Biden is the headline event, there has been no formal announcement regarding any potential meetings between Starmer and Vice President Kamala Harris.
However, given Harris’s new role as the Democratic nominee, she is likely to attend some of the discussions alongside Biden.
It is unclear whether Starmer will also meet the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.
Although no such plans have been revealed, there is precedent for this kind of encounter. For instance, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron met with Republican candidate Mitt Romney in 2012 during a similar stage in the election cycle.
Starmer had extended his best wishes to Trump earlier this year following an assassination attempt on the former president.
According to the White House statement, President Biden will underscore the enduring significance of the “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom. This partnership remains crucial in the face of global challenges, and both leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening this bond.
Strengthening Ties with Europe and Ireland
Before heading to Washington, Starmer has made concerted efforts to restore and reset relationships with European leaders. In recent weeks, he visited both Berlin and Paris, where he sought to mend the UK’s post-Brexit ties with key European figures.
On Saturday, he will continue his diplomatic efforts with a visit to Dublin, marking the first official visit by a UK Prime Minister to Ireland in five years. Starmer will meet with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris, with the main focus of their talks expected to be on the flourishing trade relationship between the two nations, worth an estimated £90 billion in exports and imports across the Irish Sea.
In a statement, Starmer emphasized his commitment to deepening the UK’s collaboration with Ireland. He expressed optimism about the future of British-Irish relations, saying, “The UK and Ireland share the strongest of ties – through our close geography, shared culture, and the friendships of our people.”
Starmer also highlighted the need to fully realize the potential of the UK-Ireland partnership, saying, “Our relationship has never reached its full potential, but I want to change that.”
As both leaders gear up for their bilateral meeting, the focus will be on ensuring that the longstanding friendship between the two nations translates into tangible benefits for their citizens, particularly in terms of driving economic growth and prosperity.
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