President Joe Biden's upcoming trip overseas will include key meetings with King Charles III and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, followed by attendance at the NATO summit in Lithuania and a U.S.-Nordic leaders summit in Finland. The White House announced the trip, scheduled for July 9-13, highlighting the importance of strengthening international relationships, especially during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The London visit will focus on reinforcing the close ties between the U.S. and the UK, building on previous bilateral engagements. Downing Street confirmed their anticipation of the visit, echoing the sentiment of a strong bilateral relationship.
President Biden and King Charles III. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images | Hannah McKay/WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Following his UK engagements, President Biden will travel to Vilnius, Lithuania for the 74th NATO summit, addressing crucial security concerns amid the Ukraine war. His final stop will be Helsinki, Finland for a summit with Nordic leaders.
This trip follows a June meeting between Biden and Sunak at the White House where they launched the Atlantic Declaration, a new economic partnership focused on clean energy transition, technological advancements, and national security. Sunak described the agreement as a groundbreaking model for future alliances.
President Biden and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. (AP/Susan Walsh)
While President Biden did not attend King Charles' coronation in May, First Lady Jill Biden represented the U.S. This absence was consistent with historical precedent of no U.S. president attending a British monarch's coronation. However, Biden did express condolences to King Charles following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and attended her funeral with the First Lady.
First Lady Jill Biden with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
