The two met in person for the first time as leaders today.
US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have “reaffirmed their commitment” to protecting the Good Friday Agreement following their meeting on Thursday.
The two met in person for the first time as leaders in Cornwall in England ahead of the UK’s G7 Summit in the coming days.
One of the main talking points of the meeting was Brexit and its consequences in Northern Ireland.
Prior to the talks with Johnson, Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned the president harbours “very deep” concerns on the issues provoked by Brexit.
He said that Biden believes the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol is “critical” to protecting the Good Friday Agreement, as the issues of checks on goods between the EU and Britain continues to cause problems.
In a statement following the pair’s meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister and President both reaffirmed their commitment to the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and to protecting the gains of the peace process.
“The leaders agreed that both the EU and the UK had a responsibility to work together and to find pragmatic solutions to allow unencumbered trade between Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
“The Prime Minister outlined his ambitions to further expand opportunities for all the people in Northern Ireland and hoped that the US would continue to work with the UK to boost prosperity there.”
On the topic of the Good Friday Agreement, a statement from the White House also said: “Today, the UK and US reaffirm their commitment to working closely with all parties to the Agreement to protect its delicate balance and realise its vision for reconciliation, consent, equality, respect for rights, and parity of esteem.
“Unlocking Northern Ireland’s tremendous potential is a vital part of safeguarding the stability created by the Agreement, and the UK and the US will continue working together towards that shared goal.”
On St Patrick’s Day of this year, Biden pledged his support for the Good Friday Agreement ahead of a virtual meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
At the time, Biden said he “strongly supports” the Good Friday Agreement, stating that it was “critically important” it be maintained.
He added: “The political economic stability of Northern Ireland is very much the interest of all our people.”
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