President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated British Prime Minister Liz Truss on becoming the country’s highest elected official Tuesday.
The president, whose administration has worked with Truss during her tenure as former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s foreign secretary, said he looked forward to continuing his work with the United Kingdom.
LIZ TRUSS BECOMES BRITISH PRIME MINISTER
“Congratulations to Prime Minister Liz Truss,” Biden tweeted. “I look forward to deepening the special relationship between our countries and working in close cooperation on global challenges, including continued support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.”
Congratulations to Prime Minister Liz Truss.
I look forward to deepening the special relationship between our countries and working in close cooperation on global challenges, including continued support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian aggression.
— President Biden (@POTUS) September 6, 2022
The new leader has ties with the United States that date back to the 1990s, when she oversaw a ship refurbishment project in Norfolk, Virginia, during her time as an economist at Shell, according to Politico. More recently, Truss has worked closely and deepened ties with Blinken through her role as foreign secretary. Truss and Blinken worked together in recent months to introduce sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, a common ground between the two countries.
“Congrats to @trussliz on becoming the UK’s next Prime Minister,” Blinken tweeted Tuesday. “I know that through the #SpecialRelationship, we will continue to work together as the closest of Allies to address shared challenges around the world.”
The U.K. had been one of Ukraine’s greatest allies under Johnson’s leadership. Truss has additionally been a strong advocate and ally for the U.S. when it comes to confronting China.
Congrats to @trussliz on becoming the UK’s next Prime Minister. I know that through the #SpecialRelationship, we will continue to work together as the closest of Allies to address shared challenges around the world. pic.twitter.com/iaIHDpxp1Z
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 6, 2022
Truss was elected as prime minister on Monday, gaining 57% of the Conservative Party’s vote. She defeated former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and took office Tuesday after Queen Elizabeth II asked her to form a new government at her Balmoral home in Scotland.
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During her inaugural address, Truss listed growing the economy, responding to the energy crisis, and improving the National Health Service as her top three priorities in the job. The health service is facing a staffing shortage following the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our country was built by people who get things done,” Truss said. “We have huge reserves of talent, of energy and determination. I am confident that together, we can ride out the storm. We can rebuild our country and become the modern, brilliant Britain that all you know we can be.”
