Secretary Antony J. Blinken and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy convened before their meeting on July 10, 2024, in Washington at the NATO summit.
Secretary Blinken welcomed Foreign Secretary Lammy, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-UK relationship. "This is not only a special relationship, it’s an essential one," Blinken stated. He highlighted their collaboration on critical global issues such as Ukraine and Russia's ongoing aggression, challenges in the Middle East, and other international concerns.
Blinken also mentioned President Biden's anticipation of meeting Prime Minister Starmer later in the day. "I look forward to that as well," he added.
Foreign Secretary Lammy expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and underscored the significance of the NATO summit. "This is 75 years of the greatest military Alliance in modern times," Lammy remarked. He acknowledged Ernest Bevin's role in establishing NATO and recognized current global challenges, particularly regarding Ukraine.
Lammy praised U.S. leadership and support on Ukraine and reiterated the importance of the special relationship between the two nations for global freedom defense. "It’s good to see you again, and it’s very good to be here as the UK’s foreign secretary," he concluded.
The brief exchange ended with Secretary Blinken thanking everyone present.
