Accepting PM Starmer At The White House, President Biden: As The Best Ally, We Face The Most Important Challenge

US President Joe Biden when welcoming British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (Twitter: POTUS)

JAKARTA - President of the United States and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed relations between the two countries, the Ukraine conflict to war in the Gaza Strip, Palestine when they met at the White House, Washington on Wednesday.

Present in Washington to attend the summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), PM Starmer praised the historical and cultural relations between Britain and the United States.

"Special relationships are very important. Relations are established in difficult and long-lasting situations and are now stronger than ever before," said PM Starmer.

"I am very pleased to be able to enter the government early to re-commit to NATO, are committed to a special relationship and discuss this matter with you," he continued.

Meanwhile, President Biden in turn warmly welcomed PM Starmer, saying the two countries were the best allies in the first bilateral meeting of the two leaders.

"As the best ally, we face the most important challenges for the lives of our society, from maintaining trans-Atlantic security to fostering our economic relations," President Biden tweeted.

President Biden said he welcomed PM Starmer's desire to establish closer ties with European partners, according to a British Government statement on Thursday.

Meeting in the Oval Room of the White House, the two leaders also discussed the conflict in Ukraine and Gaza, Palestine.

"The president welcomed the recent comments of the prime minister on establishing closer ties with our European partners, as well as Britain's commitment to AUKUS," the British government said in a statement, referring to security pacts between Britain, the US and Australia.

"They reflect that as we face the growing challenges around the world, we are in the strongest condition when we unite and work together," the statement continued.

The two leaders agreed they should do whatever it takes to support Ukraine in its war with Russia, as well as discuss their shared desire for a ceasefire in Gaza to free the hostages, provide assistance, and make progress towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.