US President Joe Biden expressed his support for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's intention to foster stronger connections with European partners, according to a

statement from the UK government.

During their meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Biden and Starmer discussed the relationship between the UK and the US, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and England's recent victory in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

"The president welcomed the prime minister's recent comments on establishing closer relationships with our European counterparts, as well as the UK's commitment to AUKUS," the British government stated, referring to the security pact among the UK, the US, and Australia.

"They acknowledged that in the face of global challenges, our unity and cooperation are our greatest strengths."

Starmer was in Washington for the NATO summit, where he also met with European leaders, including Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Starmer has expressed a desire to reset the UK's relationship with the European Union, aiming to enhance cooperation in areas like security and trade. This effort is part of a broader strategy to ease the tensions following the UK's 2016 referendum to leave the EU.

However, Starmer has made it clear that he does not intend to rejoin the EU's single market or customs union.

The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia and discussed their mutual goal of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. They emphasized the need to facilitate the release of hostages, ensure the delivery of aid, and advance toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Photo by The White House, Wikimedia commons.