Biden Sunak discuss Indo Pacific, Northern Ireland at G20 summit in Bali

U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed U.K.’s Indo Pacific priorities, Russia and Northern Ireland at their meeting in Indonesia

U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had a bilateral meeting in Bali on the fringes of the G20 Summit, where discussed the U.K.’s Indo Pacific priorities, Russia and Northern Ireland. Mr Sunak had, as per his press secretary, told Mr Biden that the border issues with Northern Ireland, which have arisen following Brexit, would be resolved by the spring next year.

This is the first meeting between the two men - since Mr Sunak, assumed office at the end of October.

Readouts from both said the leaders discussed upholding the Belfast/Good Friday agreement - i.e., the framework for peace in Northern Ireland . U.S. officials have previously indicated that a free trade deal with the U.K., contingent on the U.K. respecting the Northern Ireland Protocol - avoiding a hard border between Northern Ireland the Republic of Ireland. The issue of a hard-border has arisen since the U.K. left the European Union (EU) as Ireland continues to be a part of the EU.

Mr Sunak agreed with Mr Biden that the issue will be resolved by the 25th anniversary of the agreement in the spring next year, the Guardian reported.

“The prime minister did refer to that anniversary next year and ensuring that we get a negotiated settlement that protects the Good Friday agreement by then,” Mr Sunak’s press secretary was quoted as saying.

The Downing Street readout also said that Mr Sunak and Mr Biden “stressed the importance of likeminded allies providing a counterpoint to authoritarian regimes, including ensuring developing countries can grow in a sustainable way”.

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