Biden and Starmer to Discuss Global Challenges in Historic White House Meeting

US President Joe Biden will host UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer next week, focusing on global issues such as Ukraine and Gaza conflicts. Their second meeting will also aim to strengthen US-UK cooperation, address international shipping security, and enhance climate resilience.

US President Joe Biden is poised to welcome United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer next week for a comprehensive dialogue on various global challenges, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This encounter at the Oval Office will be their second meeting since Starmer's election as British Prime Minister in July.

The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, confirmed that the leaders will discuss reinforced support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and strategies for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. They will also tackle safeguarding international shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi threats and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The discussions will extend to bolstering US-UK cooperation in securing supply chains and enhancing climate resilience. This follows Starmer's visit to the White House in July, where he engaged in one-on-one talks with Biden during the NATO Summit.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby highlighted that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is nearing completion. Kirby emphasized that while negotiations are close, several intricate issues remain unresolved.

Earlier, Prime Minister Starmer expressed his shock and condolences over the killing of six Israeli hostages by Hamas in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire. President Biden echoed this sentiment, expressing his devastation and outrage, notably mentioning the death of Israeli-US citizen Goldberg-Polin.

(With inputs from agencies.)