Biden and Sunak hold White House talks on daunting challenges to Ukraine, world economy

President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak launched wide-ranging talks at the White House on June 8 by vowing that they would work in lockstep as the globe tries to adapt to a period of rapid economic, political and technological change.

President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak launched wide-ranging talks at the White House on June 8 by vowing that they would work in lockstep as the globe tries to adapt to a period of rapid economic, political and technological change.

The leaders' Oval Office talks were expected to cover the war in Ukraine, China, economic security, international cooperation on regulating the growing field of artificial intelligence, and more. Mr. Biden and Mr. Sunak have already had four face-to-face meetings since Mr. Sunak became Prime Minister in October, but the talks in Washington will offer the two leaders a chance for their most sustained interaction to date.

“We will put our values front and centre," Mr. Biden said.

Mr. Sunak reflected on the significant conversations that their respective predecessors have had over the years in the Oval Office and acknowledged that both he and Mr. Biden were facing their own daunting moment. The visit to Washington is Mr. Sunak’s first since becoming Britain’s Prime Minister in October.

“Our economies are seeing perhaps the biggest transformation since the Industrial Revolution as new technologies provide incredible opportunities. but also give our adversaries more tools,” Mr. Sunak said.

The 15-month-old Russian invasion of Ukraine was expected to be high on the agenda.“ The U.S. and U.K. are the two biggest donors to the Ukraine war effort and play a central role in a long-term effort announced last month to train, and eventually equip, Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

Mr. Sunak also is looking to make the case to Mr. Biden for U.K. Defence Minister Ben Wallace to succeed outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who is set to end his term leading the 31-member alliance in September. Mr. Stoltenberg is slated to meet with Mr. Biden in Washington on Monday, and leaders from the alliance are set to gather in Lithuania on July 11-12 for their annual summit.