Boris gives thumbs-up to ‘friendly’ chat with Biden
BORIS JOHNSON became the first European leader to take a call from new US President Joe Biden and said the new administration was a “moment of hope in a dark time”.
The Prime Minister added both “looked forward to deepening the longstanding alliance” between the two countries.
During the 35 minute call the benefits of a free trade agreement was also discussed along with strengthening cooperation on defence and security, No10 said.
The US President, whose election marks a major change in direction
‘Moment of hope
in a dark time’
from his predecessor Donald Trump, had only previously called Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador since his swearing in ceremony.
In a Tweet immediately after the call, Mr Johnson emphasised the good rapport between the two world leaders. He said: “Great to speak to President @Joebiden this evening. I look forward to deepening the longstanding alliance between our two countries as we drive a green and sustainable recovery from Covid-19.”
A Downing Street source added: “The call was very warm, friendly and wide ranging with agreement on key issues. The PM welcomed fantastic initial announcements from the Biden administration and a moment of hope in a dark time.”
A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the President’s decision to rejoin the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as the World Health Organization and the COVAX programme to ensure equitable access for vaccines.
“They noted the significant challenges facing the world during the pandemic, but also the unparalleled opportunities to build back better and greener together.”
Sources had already suggested that the two men were closer allies than Mr Johnson had been with President Donald Trump, in dealing with China and Russia, particularly after the EU caused concerns by signing a cooperation deal with Beijing.
The Downing Street spokesman noted they had discussed issues which would build on the UK and US’S long history of cooperation in security and defence, and the leaders re-committed to the Nato alliance sharing values in promoting human rights and protecting democracy.
“They also discussed the benefits of a potential free trade deal between our two countries, and the Prime Minister reiterated his intention to resolve existing trade issues as soon as possible. The leaders looked forward to meeting in person as soon as the circumstances allow, and to working together through the G7, G20 and COP26 this year.”
The decision to call the British Prime Minister ahead of senior EU figures like French President Emmanuel Macron or German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been taken as a sign that Mr Biden is prioritising the UK/US special relationship.