US, UK’s ‘special relationship’ will remain: Biden after Johnson’s resignation

US President Joe Biden said that America will continue its “special relationship” with the United Kingdom, where the political system has recently gone into a downward spiral. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned from his office on Thursday following a series of controversies. 

Biden, however, did not mention Johnson by name in his short statement on Thursday. He was asked about UK’s political situation after handing out Presidential Medals of Freedom at the White House.

Also Read: As Boris Johnson resigns, Ukraine thanks former British PM for all his support

“The United Kingdom and the United States are the closest of friends and allies, and the special relationship between our people remains strong and enduring”, Biden said.

The President added that the country’s approach to maintaining ties with the United Kingdom includes “supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin’s brutal war on their democracy, and holding Russia accountable for its actions.”

Boris Johnson and Joe Biden, along with multiple other world leaders, last met in Germany last month at the G7 summit. Both countries jointly reinforced their support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Russia, on the other hand, seemed to be pleased by Johnson’s departure from Downing Street. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for Kremlin, said in a statement on Thursday, “As for Mr. Johnson, he dislikes us very much. We dislike him, too.”

Also Read: Boris Johnson resignation: What’s next for UK economy

Boris Johnson, who officially announced his resignation in an address from Downing Street, said, ” I want to say to the millions of people who voted for us in 2019, many of them voting Conservative for the first time: Thank you for that incredible mandate, the biggest Conservative majority since 1987, the biggest share of the vote since 1979.”

Johnson said that he has already informed the backbench of MPs about his decision to step down as the British Prime Minister. He will also retain the position until a new leader has been elected.