Biden and New UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Discuss Northern Ireland, Other Issues in First Phone Call

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak makes a statement after taking office outside No. 10 Downing Street in London on Oct. 25, 2022. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

President Joe Biden and the new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared a phone call on Tuesday during which the two leaders discussed key issues such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the ongoing energy crisis, challenges posed by China, and the Northern Ireland Protocol.

According to a White House readout of the call, Biden also congratulated Sunak on his new role as prime minister after the former chancellor of the Exchequer was appointed by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Oct. 25.