Prime Minister Starmer’s Strategic US Visit: Navigating Biden Talks and Potential Trump-Harris Encounters Amid Global Challenges

Starmer plans second US trip as prime minister – potential meetings with Harris and Trump on the agenda?

A potential encounter between Sir Keir and Mr. Trump could mark a notable diplomatic move, particularly if a meeting with Ms. Harris also takes place.

US correspondent @Stone_SkyNews

Saturday, September 7, 2024, 6:

Next week, Sir Keir Starmer is set to visit Washington for a one-on-one meeting with President Biden.

On Friday, the prime minister will make his second trip to the White House since his election in July.

In an announcement, the White House indicated that the leaders will concentrate on "worldwide matters of shared concern."

"The heads of state are set to engage in comprehensive talks on a range of critical issues," the White House announced. "These include maintaining strong support for Ukraine in its resistance to Russian hostilities, negotiating the release of hostages and a ceasefire to halt the conflict in Gaza, safeguarding maritime routes in the Red Sea against threats from Iranian-supported Houthis, and promoting the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The statement added, "They will also explore ways to enhance US-UK collaboration in securing supply chains and bolstering climate resilience. President Biden will emphasize the significance of further reinforcing the special bond between the United States and the United Kingdom."

The UK is deeply engaged in numerous ongoing geopolitical issues that began before Sir Keir took office as prime minister.

Sources indicate that there is optimism for collaborative advancements on pressing issues with the departing administration of President Biden.

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The UK and the USA have worked in close partnership on the Ukraine issue, spearheading a Western coalition that has occasionally demonstrated hesitation in maintaining its support against Russian hostilities.

The UK has collaborated closely with the US in safeguarding maritime traffic in the Red Sea from ongoing attacks by Houthi forces from Yemen, though the results of these efforts have been somewhat modest.

There might be some differences in opinion between the two leaders regarding Gaza.

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Last week, the United Kingdom declared a halt on the export of certain weapons to Israel due to concerns that they might be employed in ways that violate international humanitarian law.

US government attorneys have not reached a consensus on Israel's use of weapons in Gaza. However, a spokesperson for the State Department noted this week that the UK was exercising its sovereign right in making its own decisions on the matter.

Interestingly, a foreign policy advisor to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump expressed a contrasting viewpoint.

Robert O'Brien, who is poised to be part of a Trump administration should Trump be victorious in the November elections, stated that the special relationship between the UK and the US could face tensions if the UK decided to limit weapons sales to Israel.

Discover further details at Sky News: Sir Keir travels to Ireland aiming to rejuvenate ties. Cheney declares his support for Harris in the vote. Trump's sentencing has been delayed.

The bond between Mr. Biden and Sir Keir mirrors their shared political views. In his initial trip to the White House, shortly after his inauguration, President Biden, at that time the Democratic nominee for the upcoming November election, expressed high regard for the highly esteemed "special relationship".

"From my perspective, you all act as a crucial link in the transatlantic partnership, strengthening ties with Europe. We are aware of your position, and you know ours," Mr. Biden said to Sir Keir.

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There has been no confirmation of any planned discussions between Sir Keir and Vice President Kamala Harris, who has recently been named the Democratic Party's nominee for the upcoming November election. However, she might participate in the joint meetings scheduled with President Biden.

A notable event would be an encounter between Sir Keir and Mr. Trump.

There has been no official announcement, yet hosting such a meeting would be considered a shrewd diplomatic move, particularly if a meeting with Harris comes to fruition. Moreover, this would not be the first time such an event has occurred.

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Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron held a meeting with Republican candidate Mitt Romney in July 2012, while Gordon Brown, another former Prime Minister, met with Democratic candidate Barack Obama in 2008.

Sir Keir's arrival marks the conclusion of a week highlighted by a meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London.

Gaza will be a central point of attention, and Mr. Blinken will be accompanied by Ambassador Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative, during his travels

Discussions will also include topics on commerce and technological advancements.

The UK continues to pursue the establishment of a trade agreement with the US following Brexit.

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