Top UK, US diplomats to meet in London to strengthen 'special relationship'

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy are set to launch the UK-US Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday to deliver a deeper special relationship.

Lammy will welcome Blinken to the UK for the first time since becoming the foreign secretary following July elections as part of the UK-US Strategic Dialogue which aims to strengthen special ties and deepen relations that deliver growth and security on both sides of the Atlantic.

"It will cover key aspects of the relationship, where we are highly aligned, including support for Ukraine and de-escalation in the Middle East, as well as other global priorities in defence and security and resilient and sustainable growth," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

As part of the comprehensive talks, the two allies will explore ways to further strengthen the special relationship that has delivered security and prosperity since World War II.

The Foreign Ministry also noted that talks between the two will cover support for Ukraine, and the UK and US commitment to "a long-term peaceful settlement in the Middle East and enabling a two-state solution."

"The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 80 years, but together we are committed to supercharging our alliance to bring security and growth to Brits and Americans alike," Lammy said in the statement.

He added: "Together we are re-energising our economic partnership, working together to tackle insecurity abroad and facing the future in unity and confidence."

Lammy and Blinken, who met previously during the NATO Summit in Washington DC in July, plan for the Strategic Dialogue to become an annual event.