Biden Holds Meeting with U.K. PM Sunak in London, Proceeds to Meet King Charles and Attend NATO Summit

President Biden held a meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday during his visit to the United Kingdom. This meeting was the first in-person discussion between President Biden and a fellow world leader on his European trip. The purpose of the meeting was to maintain a unified voice among the U.S. and its NATO allies in support of Ukraine as it faces ongoing aggression from Russia. President Biden expressed his appreciation for the strong relationship between the U.S. and the UK, stating that they are “no closer friend and greater ally.”

There has been concern in Europe regarding the Biden administration’s decision to provide controversial weapons to Ukraine. Additionally, there are questions about the future of U.S. government backing for Ukraine after President Biden’s term ends. President Biden aims to reassure America’s closest allies that the U.S. remains a committed partner and respects their humanitarian concerns.

During their meeting, President Biden and Prime Minister Sunak discussed the conditions for a possible deal with Turkey to clear the way for Sweden’s accession to the NATO alliance. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted Finland and Sweden to seek NATO membership, but Sweden has faced opposition from Turkey and Hungary. This issue will be further discussed by NATO leaders during the summit in Lithuania.

Regarding Ukraine’s desire to join NATO, President Biden stated in a recent interview that he doesn’t believe Ukraine is ready for membership. He emphasized that there are other qualifications Ukraine must meet, including full democratization. The war between Ukraine and Russia remains a significant factor in considering Ukraine’s membership.

After his meeting with Prime Minister Sunak, President Biden traveled to Windsor Castle for an in-person meeting with King Charles III. Although not an official state visit, there was a display of British pomp and circumstance for President Biden’s visit. The two leaders were expected to discuss environmental issues and engage with business leaders on how private industry can contribute to tackling climate change.

Overall, President Biden’s visit to the UK aimed to strengthen the relationship between the two countries and maintain a unified stance on supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The meetings with UK leaders and other NATO members set the stage for discussions on important issues such as weapons support for Ukraine and Sweden’s potential NATO membership. The visit also provided an opportunity for discussions on environmental issues and climate change.

Original Story at www.cbsnews.com – 2023-07-10 10:28:00