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Sunak says he wants ‘close and candid relationship’ with Biden ahead of White House talks

Rishi Sunak has stressed the importance of a “close and candid relationship” with US President Joe Biden ahead of their White House meeting next week.

During the talks, the pair are expected to discuss trade, the Ukraine-Russia war, the potential risks of artificial intelligence and protecting the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.

The PM will also address a gathering of American chief executives in a bid to build closer economic ties after shelving plans to broker a post-Brexit free trade deal.

Mr Sunak said: “The US is our closest ally. We are one another’s partner of first resort when it comes to everything from keeping our people safe to growing our economies.

“That’s why it is so important for a UK Prime Minister to forge a close and candid relationship with the President of the United States – on every global problem, you will see us working side-by-side.

“I’m looking forward to seeing President Biden later this week to continue those efforts and to deliver for the British people.”

In a statement Downing Street added: “No British Prime Minister has had this much sustained contact with the President of the US in recent years.”

Mr Sunak’s visit to the White House will take place on Thursday (3 June), and the pair’s meeting comes after they previously met in San Diego, Belfast and the G7 summit in Hiroshima.

Downing Street previously said the prime minister was not trying to secure a trade agreement between the two countries during the meeting and stressed bilateral trading relations were already strong.

They said in a statement: “We are not seeking to pursue a free trade deal with the US.

“It’s worth remembering the trade relationship, as it currently stands, is worth £279bn already.”

But they added the government would seek closer partnerships with some specific states, such as North Carolina, Indiana and South Carolina, which it has set up trade deals with.

The prime minister’s official spokesman said talks would focus on targeted agreements, such as Scotch Whiskey with specific states.

He added the pair will also discuss “enhancing the level of co-operation and co-ordination between the UK and US on the economic challenges that will define our future, including securing our supply chains and transitioning to zero-carbon economies”.

Mr Sunak is also expected to urge the US leader to back his plan for the UK to play a leading role in developing international regulations for artificial intelligence.

During the visit to the US capital, Mr Sunak will watch a baseball game – Washington Nationals v Arizona D-backs – with business leaders and political figures.

At the game, US and UK military units will treat fans to a flyover and performances from the Royal Marine Corps of Drums and the Washington Tattoo.

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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