LONDON—President Biden left Winfield House at 10:18 am local time for his meeting with Prime Minister Sunak at 10 Downing Street. The movement caused traffic to come to a standstill, with some onlookers taking photos from the sidewalks.
According to White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, this is Biden’s first visit to No 10 as president. It marks the sixth meeting between President Biden and the UK Prime Minister since Sunak assumed office.
President Biden arrived at 10 Downing Street at 10:38 am. He stepped out of his vehicle, known as “the Beast,” which was parked directly in front. Prime Minister Sunak walked out to greet him and they shook hands.
Sunak acknowledged that this was Biden’s first visit as president and told him, “We’re very privileged and fortunate to have you here.”
Biden expressed his pleasure at being back and joked, “We’ve only been meeting once a month” since Sunak became Prime Minister.
“We’ve got a lot to talk about. I think we’re doing well. We’re moving along in a way that’s positive. But our relationship is rock solid,” Biden stated.
Sunak and Biden sat across from each other in wicker chairs, appearing relaxed, sipping on tea. Both men wore dark blue suits, white shirts, medium blue ties, and black shoes with black socks.
“It’s great for us to continue our conversations, which we were having just a month or so ago, it feels like, in the White House, where we signed the Atlantic Declaration,” Sunak stated. He mentioned that they would discuss how to strengthen cooperation and joint economic security for the benefit of their citizens. Sunak also noted that they would be heading to Vilnius for the NATO Summit.
Biden reminisced about their previous meetings. However, his remarks were interrupted by a loud bell, making the rest of his statement difficult to hear.
The meeting lasted 38 minutes. Both leaders will attend this week’s NATO summit in Lithuania.
