Biden heads to Europe for G7, NATO summits
Washington, Jun 25 (EFE).- United States president Joe Biden left the Whitehouse Saturday for Europe where he will take part in two major international summits as the Ukraine war rages.
Earlier this week, John Kirby, the National Security Council’s communications chief, said Biden’s visit would focus on “revitalizing and reinforcing our allies, our alliances, and our partnerships around the world.”
Kirby added that the US president’s visit would reinforce America’s “unwavering support of a democratic, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine, and holding Russia accountable for its war of aggression.”
Biden will land in Germany first and travel to Schloss Elmau, in the south, for a G7 summit that brings together the world’s most advanced economies (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom).
The White House has said that the president will seek to coordinate closely with allies on priorities that include isolating Russia, damaging Moscow’s defense supply chain, and stemming sanctions evasion.
Another US priority at the G7 will be launching an infrastructure initiative that will help meet the needs of low and middle-income countries which have been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Biden will also have a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Olaf Schultz.
On Tuesday, Biden will be traveling to Madrid ahead of the NATO summit on June 29-30.
The US president will have two bilateral meetings with the King of Spain, Felipe VI, and prime minister Pedro Sánchez.
Spanish government sources have said that Biden will meet Sánchez on Tuesday at the Moncloa Palace and, after greeting reporters, will meet with the monarch at the Royal Palace.
Sources added that the purpose of the meeting between Sánchez and Biden was to “reinforce, update and renew the strategic partnership” between Spain and the US.
Biden will travel with America’s first lady, Jill Biden, who will begin her visit to Madrid on Monday, one day before her husband arrives.
Jill Biden is expected to join Queen Letizia of Spain for several events, including a visit to the refugee center for Ukrainians in the Madrid town of Pozuelo de Alarcón.EFE
ssa/ch
