President Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday discussed issues such as trade, NATO and the coronavirus pandemic in their first phone call since the inauguration of the American leader.
Why it matters: A new trade agreement with the United States is a priority for Johnson, whose country concluded its economic division with the European Union at the end of last year, noted the AP.
What they are saying: Biden “conveyed his intention to strengthen the special relationship between our countries and revitalize transatlantic ties, highlighting NATO’s critical role in our collective defense and shared values,” said a White House reading of the summons.
- “President Biden also noted the importance of cooperation, including through multilateral organizations, on shared challenges, such as combating climate change, containing COVID-19, and ensuring global health security,” added the reading.
A statement from Downing Street said Biden and Johnson also “discussed the benefits of a potential free trade agreement between our two countries, and the prime minister reiterated his intention to resolve existing trade issues as quickly as possible”.
- “The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the President’s decision to re-join the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as the World Health Organization and the COVAX program to ensure equitable access to vaccines,” added the statement.
The big picture: Biden’s conversation with Johnson came a day after the President of the United States spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican Andrés Manuel López Obrador on separate calls.