Joe Biden urged Liz Truss to settle the Brexit dispute in Northern Ireland at last night’s leaders’ first call.
The US President was the quickest to congratulate the new prime minister, emphasizing the “special relationship” between the nations.
In an ominous sign, however, he also pointedly emphasized the importance of an agreement with the EU.
Ms Truss is threatening to push ahead with a plan to overturn parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol, but the UK is struggling to persuade the White House that Brussels is being unreasonable.
Mr Biden often speaks of his pride in his Irish roots, and some allies have warned there is no chance of a transatlantic trade deal unless problems are resolved.
According to the White House report on the conference call, the President and Ms. Truss discussed their “shared commitment to protecting the achievements of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the importance of a negotiated agreement with the European Union on the Northern Ireland Protocol.”
The leaders “also discussed the importance of continued close cooperation on global challenges, including helping Ukraine defend against Russian aggression, meeting challenges posed by China, preventing Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon, and securing sustainable and affordable energy resources”. .
Joe Biden urged Liz Truss (pictured) to settle the Brexit dispute in Northern Ireland in last night’s leaders’ first call
The US President was the quickest to congratulate the new prime minister, emphasizing the “special relationship” between the nations
Ms Truss is threatening to push ahead with a plan to overturn parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol, but the UK is struggling to persuade the White House that Brussels is being unreasonable
A Downing Street spokeswoman said the couple have been reflecting on the “enduring strength” of the special relationship between Britain and the US.
“The Prime Minister looked forward to working closely with President Biden as leaders of free democracies to address common challenges, particularly the extreme economic problems sparked by Putin’s war,” the spokeswoman said.
“The Prime Minister and President Biden have reflected on the continued strength of the special relationship. They agreed that the partnership between our countries, strengthened by our shared values, is crucial to defending and promoting freedom and democracy in the world.
“They agreed to build on these ties, including through NATO and Aukus promotion of our deep defense alliance.”
Previously, Mr. Biden became the first world leader to congratulate Ms. Truss on her new position.
Just as Mrs Truss was finishing her speech and officially entering Downing Street, the US President tweeted: “Congratulations to Prime Minister Liz Truss.
“I look forward to deepening the special ties between our countries and working closely together on global challenges, including continuing to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.”
Ms. Truss also accepted an invitation from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Ukraine during her first phone call as Prime Minister with a foreign leader.
Mr Zelensky – who had developed a “bromance” with Boris Johnson – thanked the British people for their support but urged Ms Truss to “empower it”.
A spokeswoman for No10 said Ms Truss had told the Ukrainian president his country could count on the UK’s support “in the long term”.
“In her first meeting with a counterpart since taking office as Prime Minister, she reiterated to the Ukrainian leader that he has her full support and that Ukraine can count on UK support in the long term,” she said.
Ms. Truss also accepted an invitation from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Ukraine during her first phone call as Prime Minister with a foreign leader
“President Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister for the United Kingdom’s unwavering support and congratulated her on her appointment.
“Leaders discussed the need to strengthen global security and the actions needed to cut off the funds fueling Putin’s war machine.
“Leaders deplored Putin’s attempts to weaponize energy, and the prime minister said it was vital that Russia’s blackmail didn’t stop the West from seeing Putin fail. She also stressed the importance of ensuring that the UK and its allies continue to build energy independence.’
The spokeswoman added that the Prime Minister was “delighted” to accept an invitation to visit Ukraine.
“She praised Ukrainians’ struggle for sovereignty and self-determination and said it was crucial that Ukraine succeeds and Russia fails,” she said.
“The Prime Minister said she looks forward to working with the President in the coming weeks and months and is pleased to accept an invitation to President Zelenskyy to visit Ukraine in the near future.”
