US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the UK will continue their efforts to improve ties between the two countries during the British leader’s visit to Washington.
“Firstly, this is an effort by Sunak to reach out to Biden and develop a warmer relationship,” said Nile Gardiner, director of The Heritage Foundation’s Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom.
“On the side of the White House, they are keen to have friendly relations with Downing Street after significant tensions with Liz Truss and Boris Johnson.”
Gardiner made his remarks prior to Sunak’s Wednesday and Thursday trips to Washington, where he meets with Biden and interact with legislators and businessmen.
Given the strong ties between the two nations, Sunak has described the trip as a chance to develop a “close and candid relationship” with his American counterpart.
“The US is our closest ally. We are one another’s partner of first resort when it comes to everything from keeping our people safe to growing our economies,” Sunak said in a statement discussing the trip Saturday.
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“That’s why it is so important for a UK prime minister to forge a close and candid relationship with the President of the United States — on every global problem, you will see us working side-by-side.”
Although no official trade negotiations are anticipated during the trip, the two presidents are anticipated to discuss strengthening economic connections and maintaining their support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia.
Sunak’s fourth visit to Biden in as many months, according to the UK leader’s office, will be the most “sustained contact” a prime minister has had with a US president in recent years.
