Joe Biden and Boris Johnson hold first telephonic conversation, discuss US-UK ties

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on January 23 had a telephonic conversation with newly inaugurated US President Joe Biden who assumed office in White House, Washington DC. "Great to speak to President Joe Biden this evening", Johnson tweeted alongside im of him having a phone call chat with his newly elected American counterpart at 10 Downing Street. "I look forward to deepening longstanding alliance between our two countries as we drive a green and sustainable recovery from COVID-19," UK PM wrote. 

In a statement to British press, a Downing Street spokesperson elaborated on event, saying that Johnson spoke to Biden in evening and congratulated him on his inauguration. He added that PM Johnson welcomed President Biden’s decision to rejoin crucial Paris Agreement, adding that two leaders looked forward to strengning ties. Furrmore, Johnson hailed US for re-entering World Health Organization (WHO) and COVAX programme aimed at equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. 

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two leaders, according to source close to Downing Street, discussed challenges of future amid ongoing coronavirus pandemic and talked about unparalleled opportunities to build back better with cooperation from both sides. Johnson told Biden that he looked forward to US at G7, G20, and COP26 this year. According to international broadcaster Sky, a source closer to US President Biden informed that US and UK discussed longstanding cooperation in security and defence, revitalising transatlantic ties, NATO alliance and shared values in promoting human rights. President Biden spoke about urgency of combatting climate change, containment of COVID-19, and ensuring global health security, source in Biden administration said.  

UK PM warned of mutant coronavirus mortality 

Boris Johnson earlier yesterday warned that UK mutant of coronavirus identified in souast England has a higher rate of mortality than SARS-CoV-2. Speaking at Downing Street press conference, UK PM stressed that government might introduce broader restriction measures as new strain detected in September might be 30 per cent deadlier than previously thought. Johnson said that variant identified as B.1.1.7, spreads nearly 30-70 per cent faster than dominant coronavirus strain. "It may be associated with a higher degree of mortality,"  UK’s PM revealed Friday.  

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