London: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday and thanked him for his good wishes while he was recovering from the coronavirus as the two leaders agreed on the importance of a coordinated international response to the pandemic that has infected over 2.5 million people worldwide.
Johnson, 55, is gradually engaging with government officials and his Cabinet as he prepares for a full-time return from his convalescence following his COVID-19 hospitalisation, Downing Street said on Tuesday.
He will not be resuming formal government duties yet but spoke to Trump on the phone to thank him for his get-well wishes during his illness.
The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump this afternoon, and thanked him for his good wishes while he was unwell, said a Downing Street spokesperson.
The leaders agreed on the importance of a coordinated international response to coronavirus, including through the G7 – which the US currently chairs. They also discussed continued UK-US cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, the spokesperson said.
The two leaders also committed to continue working together to strengthen the US-UK bilateral relationship, including by signing a free trade agreement as soon as possible.
This was the first conversation between the two leaders after Johnson’s recovery from the coronavirus. During the call, the two leaders reaffirmed their close cooperation through the G7 and G20 to reopen global economies and ensure that medical care and supplies reach all those in need, the White House said.
President Trump and Prime Minister Johnson also discussed bilateral and global issues, including our shared commitment to reaching a United States-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement, it said.
Johnson is also scheduled to hold his weekly audience with Queen Elizabeth II over the phone later this week.