President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday committed to strengthening the economic partnership of the United States and Great Britain, agreeing to cooperate on the clean energy transition, work together on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and continue steadfast support for Ukraine.   

What You Need To Know

  • President Joe Biden hosted U.K Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the White House on Thursday for the first time since the British leader took office

  • The leaders pledged to work together on critical mineral supply chains, the transition to clean energy and emerging technologies, such as AI

  • Biden and Sunak both pledged steadfast support for Ukraine amid Russia's invasion 

Both leaders pointed to shared values and were united on the importance and the strength of the two nations’ longtime "Special Relationship."

“There is no country closer to us than Great Britain,” he said.

Biden and Sunak have already had multiple face-to-face meetings since Conservative Party leader became prime minister in October, but Thursday was their first at the White House since he assumed the top role at No. 10 Downing. Following the sit-down in the Oval Office, Biden and Sunak hailed a new “21st century partnership,” in a joint press conference.

The two leaders pledged to strengthen critical mineral supply chains to become less reliant on countries such as China, particularly in the transition to clean energy.

When asked about a free trade agreement between the two countries, which the Biden administration has not moved forward with, Sunak said their commitments on Thursday “respond to the particular opportunities and challenges we face right now and into the future.”

“We discussed how we can continue to adapt and upgrade our partnership to ensure our countries remain on the cutting edge of a rapidly changing world,” Biden said.

Both Biden and Sunak reflected on the conversations their respective predecessors have had in the White House and noted the challenge they are facing with some emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence.

“Our economies are seeing perhaps the biggest transformation since the Industrial Revolution as new technologies provide incredible opportunities, but also give our adversaries more tools,” Sunak said.

Biden acknowledged the potential of AI as well as the possible risks, saying “it is a limitless capacity and possibility but we have to do it with great care.” He added he is looking to Sunak to lead efforts on the issue when the U.K. gathers politicians, scientists and tech executives for a summit on AI safety in the fall.

Both leaders pledged continued support of Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. The U.S. and U.K. are the two biggest donors to the Ukraine war effort and play a central role in a long-term effort announced last month to train, and eventually equip, Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

Ukraine is preparing to launch a counteroffensive that it hopes will change the trajectory of the war. That, along with the breaching of a major dam in southern Ukraine, which sent floodwaters gushing through towns and over farmland, has given the subject added urgency.

Neither Washington nor London has officially accused Russia of blowing up the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam.

Sunak said Wednesday that U.K. intelligence services are still assessing the evidence, but "if it does prove to be intentional, it will represent a new low ... an appalling barbarism on Russia's part."

On Tuesday, NSC Spokesman John Kirby said the U.S. was still assessing the situation as well and had not made a determination as to who is responsible. He also noted “the Russians had illegally taken over that dam and the reservoir many, many months ago,” adding, “it's very clear that the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure is not allowed by the laws of war.”

Sunak noted Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is relying on countries to pull support from Ukraine, saying the U.S. and U.K.'s continued aid will send the message to Putin that there is no point is waiting them out and they will be there as long as it takes. Biden reiterated confidence that Congress would continue to provide Ukraine funding as needed.

Sunak is likely looking to make the case for U.K. Defense Minister Ben Wallace to succeed outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who is set to end his term leading the 31-member alliance in September.

When asked if it was time for a NATO leader from the U.K., Biden said “it may be,” but noted it has not been decided.

“We’re going to have to get a consensus within NATO,” he said.

The British Prime Minister gave the U.S. leader a personalized Barbour jacket and a copy of a book written in the 1800’s by a relative of Biden’s as gifts. 

Thursday capped Sunak’s two-day Washington visit. On Wednesday, he began his trip by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. He met with key congressional leaders, including Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, as well as business leaders. He also attended a Washington Nationals baseball game. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.