Joe Biden Seeks to Strengthen Relationships with King Charles and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Meetings Dominated by Climate Change and Ukraine Crisis

President Joe Biden arrived in London on Sunday for a three-nation trip, which includes attending a NATO summit in Lithuania to show solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion. On Monday, Biden is scheduled to have separate meetings with Britain’s King Charles and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Climate change and the Ukraine crisis are expected to be the main topics on the agenda.

Discussion on Climate Change with King Charles at Windsor Castle

At Windsor Castle, President Biden, 80, and King Charles, 74, will engage in discussions on combating climate change by stimulating private investment. Both leaders recognize the existential threat posed by climate change and share a commitment to addressing it. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan highlighted Biden’s deep respect for King Charles’ dedication to the climate issue, describing him as a prominent advocate. Biden aims to strengthen his personal relationship with the king, as they have had limited prior interaction. Their phone conversation earlier this year was described as warm and positive.

The meeting between Biden and King Charles will take place in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle, where a guard of honor will present a Royal Salute and the U.S. national anthem will be played, according to the king’s office. In 2021, Biden met the late Queen Elizabeth for tea during a previous visit to Windsor.

Low-Key Meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street

Prior to meeting with King Charles, President Biden will have a low-key meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street. This meeting marks Biden’s first visit to Downing Street as president and will be the fifth meeting between Biden and Sunak in as many months. Sullivan characterized the visit as a continuation of an ongoing conversation rather than a formal meeting. The discussion between the two leaders will also serve as a preparation for the NATO summit in Lithuania, set to commence on Tuesday, which will primarily focus on the Ukraine crisis and its implications for the alliance.

Biden’s Caution on Ukraine’s NATO Membership and Provision of Cluster Munitions

Ahead of his trip, President Biden expressed caution regarding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, emphasizing the risk of the alliance becoming entangled in the ongoing war with Russia due to NATO’s mutual defense pact. Biden highlighted the absence of unanimity within NATO on Ukraine’s immediate inclusion. In an interview with CNN, he stated that bringing Ukraine into the NATO family amidst the conflict was a matter of contention.

Notably, a few days before his trip, Biden approved the delivery of U.S. cluster munitions to Ukraine. These munitions, banned by over 100 countries, including the United Kingdom, pose a significant threat to civilian populations due to the indiscriminate nature of their smaller bomblets. The Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the production, stockpiling, use, and transfer of such weapons, has not been ratified by Russia, Ukraine, or the United States.

Alignment between Prime Minister Sunak and President Biden on Ukraine Crisis

Prime Minister Sunak affirmed Britain’s commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions and acknowledged the country’s continued support for Ukraine. While responding to inquiries about cluster munitions, Sunak stated that the UK discourages their use and will fulfill its role in assisting Ukraine.

Sullivan expressed confidence in the strategic alignment between Prime Minister Sunak and President Biden regarding Ukraine, emphasizing their united front in pursuing their shared objectives. The two leaders are expected to synchronize their efforts during the meetings before the NATO summit.

Conclusion

President Joe Biden’s visit to the United Kingdom entails meetings with King Charles and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The discussions will primarily revolve around climate change and the Ukraine crisis. Biden aims to deepen his relationship with King Charles, recognizing his significant contributions to addressing climate change. The meeting with Prime Minister Sunak will serve as a continuation of their ongoing dialogue and as a preparation for the NATO summit in Lithuania. Biden has approached Ukraine’s NATO membership cautiously, highlighting the complexities involved, while also authorizing the provision of cluster munitions, despite their prohibition by many countries. Prime Minister Sunak reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions and reiterated support for Ukraine. Overall, the United States and the United Kingdom are poised to demonstrate a unified front on climate change and the Ukraine crisis.