Biden visits UK: President says US-UK relationship rock solid
US President Joe Biden has described relations with the UK as "rock solid" during talks in London with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, BBC reports.
Mr Biden said he "couldn't be meeting a closer friend and a greater ally". Mr Sunak hailed the UK and the US as "two of the firmest allies" in Nato.
They also discussed a US move to give Ukraine controversial cluster bombs to defend itself from Russia's invasion. Ukraine's membership bid will be high on agenda at Tuesday's Nato summit.
All 31 Nato members attending the summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, agree that Ukraine cannot join the military alliance during the war - amid fears this would lead to a direct conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has himself said he does not expect Kyiv to join the bloc until after the war - but he wants the summit to give a "clear signal" on Ukraine's bid.
Several Nato members in Eastern Europe are pressing for a fast-track membership for their neighbour - but others, including the US, are seen as more hesitant, fearing this could lead to a direct conflict with nuclear-armed Russia. Speaking to CNN, President Biden said Ukraine's membership bid was "premature".
President Biden also held separate talks on Monday with King Charles at Windsor Castle - the pair's first meeting since the King was formally crowned in May.
Mr Biden received a royal salute and listened to the US national anthem performed by the Welsh Guards before entering the castle for the talks.
