WATCH Video: Biden Hails UK's New PM Keir Starmer As 'Best Of Allies' In First Talks

Keir Starmer, the newly elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, made his first official visit to the White House on Wednesday, where he met with President Joe Biden.

The meeting underscored the longstanding "special relationship" between the UK and the US, with Biden emphasizing Britain's pivotal role as a key ally on global issues, particularly highlighting their joint efforts concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as reported by The Mint.

Biden Hails UK's New PM

Both leaders expressed mutual admiration and reaffirmed the strength of their alliance, with Biden describing Britain as the "knot tying the transatlantic alliance together." Starmer, 61, who assumed office shortly after his Labour Party's electoral victory, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the special relationship, which he asserted is now stronger than ever, as per AFP reports.

During their discussions, the leaders also took a lighthearted moment to celebrate the recent victory of the English football team in the Euro 2024 championships, playfully attributing their success to Starmer's leadership. However, the meeting did not address ongoing concerns surrounding Biden's reelection prospects and health, which have been subjects of speculation and discussion among political circles.

In terms of policy, Starmer affirmed Britain's unwavering support for Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia. He assured Biden that the change in government in the UK would not alter its commitment to supporting Kyiv, emphasizing continuity in their strategic approach, as per Media reports.

Significantly, Starmer approved the use of British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles for defensive purposes by Ukraine, effectively greenlighting potential strikes inside Russia. This decision underscores Britain's proactive stance in supporting Ukraine militarily, a position consistent with its previous efforts under successive Conservative governments.

Ahead of the NATO summit in Washington, where Starmer made his debut, the Prime Minister met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterating Britain's steadfast support. He emphasized that the UK will stand with Ukraine "for as long as it takes," committing to a substantial military aid package that includes new artillery and Brimstone missiles, as reported by The Mint.

At the NATO summit, Starmer joined discussions with other Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, aimed at bolstering NATO's resolve in the face of Russian aggression. The summit aimed to send a clear message to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the alliance remains unified and resolute in confronting threats to European security.

Looking forward, Britain's new Defense Secretary, John Healey, advocated for NATO to consider raising defence spending goals beyond the current target of 2% of GDP, citing increased global threats and the need for a more robust collective defence posture. Overall, the meeting between Starmer and Biden highlighted the enduring strength of the US-UK alliance, underscored their shared commitment to global security, and set a cooperative tone for future engagements on critical international issues.