Britain’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, praised President Biden for his strong leadership in handling NATO affairs during their meeting in Washington on Thursday (July 11th). Starmer said that Biden was in “very good shape” during their meeting.
According to reports from Reuters, as some Democratic Party members in the United States express concerns about Biden’s age and urge him to forgo running for reelection, the new British leader Starmer, attending the NATO summit in Washington DC, offered significant support to the embattled U.S. President with his positive assessment.
In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Thursday, Starmer expressed that the meeting with Biden on Wednesday was very pleasant. He added that the originally scheduled 45-minute bilateral discussion lasted nearly an hour, after which they both headed straight to Biden’s NATO reception dinner.
Starmer told the BBC, “We quickly discussed a lot of issues. He was indeed in very good shape and sharp in his thinking.”
He further emphasized the importance of being able to quickly meet with Biden after assuming the office of Prime Minister last week.
Speaking at the NATO summit, this marked Starmer’s first overseas visit since the Labour Party’s victory in the parliamentary elections last week and his appointment as the party leader and Prime Minister.
In Thursday’s interview, Starmer also praised Biden for demonstrating “incredible leadership” in guiding NATO, the transatlantic military alliance, through the turbulent global affairs period.
A transcript provided by Starmer’s office of the recording of his meeting with Biden revealed that the two leaders also discussed conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as Starmer’s desire to establish closer ties with Europe.
During the meeting, Starmer also expressed appreciation for the longstanding so-called “special relationship” between the UK and the U.S.
He said, “I am really pleased to have the opportunity at this very important moment to clarify our special relationship and our long-term commitment to NATO.”
(This article is based on reports from Reuters)