Biden: The United States Has No Closer Friend and Greater Ally Than Britain

On Monday, July 10, U.S. President Joe Biden met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London, stating that the United States has "no closer friend and greater ally than Britain." The meeting occurred amid a disagreement between the U.S. and the U.K. over the shipment of cluster bombs to Ukraine. According to Farhad Poladi, a reporter for VOA Persian in London, Biden expressed pleasure in the meeting and his previous discussions with the British Prime Minister, adding that there are many issues to discuss. He noted that he believes cooperation between Washington and London is strong and progressing positively, emphasizing that "the relationship between the United States and Britain is as solid as a mountain." Rishi Sunak highlighted that "bilateral economic issues and Ukraine" were the main topics of discussion in London, describing it as a great opportunity to continue their discussions that began about a month ago with the signing of the Atlantic Declaration at the White House. The British Prime Minister stated that this declaration represents the first economic partnership of its kind between Britain and the U.S., aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and mutual security for the citizens of both countries. He also emphasized their commitment to enhancing security across the Atlantic. However, the meeting was overshadowed by the announcement of the U.S. sending cluster bombs to Ukraine, a weapon banned by 123 countries, including Britain, due to its indiscriminate killing potential. Sunak had previously stated that Britain is a signatory to a convention prohibiting the production or use of cluster bombs. Despite the disagreement on this issue, both leaders reaffirmed their long-term commitment to supplying weapons to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. While Ukraine seeks NATO membership, Biden and Sunak focused on finding a suitable formula to provide long-term security guarantees to Ukraine outside the framework of NATO. Biden noted the necessary reforms and the risk of dragging NATO into direct conflict with Russia, stating that he does not believe Ukraine is ready to join the alliance. The U.S. President is set to arrive in Vilnius, Lithuania, shortly to participate in the NATO summit. Lithuania is a NATO member located next to Russia, having joined the defense pact in 2014. Biden also met with King Charles III of Britain for the first time at the historic Windsor Castle on Monday.