US President Joe Biden told Britain's new prime minister Keir Starmer , that it welcomes his desire for closer ties with his European counterparts, according to a statement from the UK government on Thursday, reports "Reuters".
Starmer met Biden in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday, where the two leaders discussed UK-US relations, the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and England's football victory in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
"The President welcomes the Prime Minister's recent comments on establishing closer relations with our European counterparts, as well as the UK's commitment to AUKUS,'' a British government statement said, referring to the security pact between Britain , USA and Australia.
"They reflect that at a time when we face increasing challenges around the world, we are strongest when we unite and work together."
Starmer was in Washington for the NATO summit, where he also met with European leaders, including Germany's Olaf Scholz.
Starmer has said he wants Britain to reshape its relationship with the European Union to improve cooperation in areas such as security and trade, trying to ease discontent stemming from Britain's 2016 referendum to leave the bloc ( Brexit).
However, he rejected any moves to rejoin the European Union's single market or customs union.
The two leaders also agreed that they must do whatever it takes to support Ukraine in its war with Russia, and discussed their shared desire for a ceasefire in Gaza, rescuing hostages and making progress towards a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.