UK's Johnson’s 1st Call to Biden since Inauguration

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Joe Biden, Saturday evening, for the first time since his inauguration as the new US president.

“Great to speak to President Joe Biden this evening,” Johnson wrote on Twitter. “I look forward to deepening the longstanding alliance between our two countries as we drive a green and sustainable recovery from COVID-19.”

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A Downing Street spokesman stated that Johnson "warmly welcomed" Biden’s decision to rejoin the Paris Agreement on climate change and the World Health Organization, which were abandoned by his predecessor, Donald Trump.

"The prime minister praised President Biden's early action on tackling climate change and commitment to reach net zero by 2050," the spokesman said.

"Building on the UK and US' long history of cooperation in security and defence, the leaders re-committed to the NATO alliance and our shared values in promoting human rights and protecting democracy,” the spokesman added.

They also discussed "the benefits of a potential free trade deal" between the UK and the US, with Johnson reiterating his intention "to resolve existing trade issues as soon as possible."

The leaders “looked forward to meeting in person as soon as the circumstances allow,” wiling to work together during the forthcoming G7, G20 and COP26 summits.

Biden "conveyed his intention to strengthen the special relationship" between the US and UK and "revitalize transatlantic ties," according to a statement, issued by the White House.

The PM congratulated the new president and Kamala Harris, who is the first woman, first Black and first Asian-American person to serve as vice-president, affirming that their inauguration was a "step forward" for the US, which had "been through a bumpy period."

In the same vein, the British PM is believed to be the first European leader to speak to the new president since his inauguration, as his first calls with world leaders were with Mexico's Manuel Lopez Obrador and Canada's Justin Trudeau.