Thursday, 19th September 2024

UK PM Johnson discusses free trade deal in a call with Biden

Boris Johnson discussed the "benefits of a potential free trade deal" with the newly appointed US president in their first call since the inauguration.

Monday, 25th January 2021

US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister of UK Boris Johnson
Prime Minister of the UK Boris Johnson discussed the "benefits of a potential free trade deal" with the newly appointed US president in their first call since the inauguration.

The British prime minister "repeated his plan to resolve existing trade issues as soon as possible," a report from Downing Street said, emphasizing the UK's leader business in discussing trade with the new government.

The White House readout of the call, however, did not mention talk of a potential free trade agreement.

Janet Yellen, who Biden has decided to be treasury secretary, told lawmakers this week that the new leader would prioritize domestic investment before hiring a new free trade agreement.

President Joe Biden "conveyed his plan to strengthen the special relationship in our countries and revitalize transatlantic ties," a White House statement said.

The UK prime minister also "embraced the President (Biden) 's decision to re-join the Paris Agreement on weather change, as well as the World Health Organization and the COVAX program to ensure equitable access for vaccines."

The two actions were brought on Biden's first day in office, as part of a series of executive actions that reversed the previous administration's plans.

The leaders also spoke of a mass of topics, including security, defense, COVID-19, and the NATO alliance.

Prior to this call, Biden had communicated with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

The Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also expected to meet US President Joe Biden in the coming months where they are assumed to discussed issues related to the pandemic as well as trade between the two countries.  Trudeau is also the first leader whom US President Biden called after assuming office.

Several countries including Cuba are expected to get treated nicely by the new US government after being treated harshly by the former President Donald Trump.