Biden says US-UK relations ‘strong’ as Sunak ‘discourages’ use of cluster bombs in Ukraine

US President Joe Biden said on Monday that his country’s relationship with the United Kingdom “Hard as a rock», after arriving at the Downing Street residence to meet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Biden was received by Sunak and both leaders greeted the media before entering the official residence to sit in the gardens and drink tea.

After Biden emphasized the strength of bilateral relations, Sunak said that they would discuss how to “strengthen” the cooperation between the two countries, as well as economic security “for the benefit of our citizens.”

In addition, Sunak described it as “very good” that the two leaders can talk today, after a series of meetings they have held this year, including the prime minister’s visit to Washington last month.

Speaking about the NATO summit in Lithuania that starts tomorrow, Sunak said that Great Britain and the US are “the two strongest allies in that alliance” and that they will do “everything they can to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security».

Regarding the controversy surrounding the delivery of cluster bombs to Ukraine by the US, Sunak “discouraged” Kiev from using this ammunition and has joined more than 100 countries that ban its use (the UK currently chairs the convention that bans the weapon). Biden claims the controversial announcement came after consultations with NATO allies, despite warnings that the decision could cause cracks in the coalition.

This is the first visit of the US head of state to the United Kingdom since the one in April last year on the occasion of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the signing of the peace agreement for Northern Ireland. Biden, who was not at the coronation of Charles III last May, will meet with the British king this afternoon at Windsor Castle, on the outskirts of London.