UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will engage in discussions with US President Joe Biden next week on boosting economic relations and securing Ukraine's military backing in its war with Russia.
On Wednesday and Thursday of next week, Sunak will be in Washington for discussions with President Biden, members of Congress, and American business executives, Reuters reported. However, Sunak's spokesperson clarified on Tuesday that there won't be any negotiations toward a formal free trade agreement.
The visit, according to the spokesperson, offers a chance to further existing conversations between Prime Minister Sunak and President Biden about improved collaboration and coordination between the US. and the UK in solving the economic issues that will determine the course of the future. In addition, maintaining assistance for Ukraine will be a priority in the talks.
The spokesperson noted that Sunak's Washington trip "will be an opportunity to build on discussions the Prime Minister and President Biden have had in recent months" about improving the UK-US partnership by addressing the economic issues that will shape the future of the two nations, per The Independent. The official also noted that the discussions will include "securing our supply chains and transitioning to zero-carbon economies."
Sunak Aims to Mend Strained Ties
Sunak's trip to Washington is his first official visit since becoming prime minister in October. It indicates his desire to mend the strained UK-US relationship since Britain's 2020 EU exit.
The White House has stated that Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden will discuss the situation in Northern Ireland, economic matters, and discuss issues about Ukraine in the lead-up to the NATO summit in July.
In April, President Joe Biden visited Ireland for the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which ended The Troubles.
Although the POTUS spent most of his time in the Republic of Ireland, he met with Prime Minister Sunak in Belfast, but some observers noticed little contact between the two leaders throughout the visit, according to the BBC.
