Biden speaks with Sunak, both reaffirm support for Ukraine

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The UK government said in a statement that new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed optimism that he would soon meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Earlier, Zelenskyy stated that he spoke with Sunak over the phone and encouraged him to visit Ukraine at a time where the UK PM had announced that Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people can depend on London's support.

According to the UK government, "President Zelensky congratulated the Prime Minister on his appointment and wished him a happy Diwali. The Prime Minister thanked him and said he hoped they would see each other in person soon."

In a related context, US President Joe Biden spoke with Sunak in their first phone call, according to a White House readout.

"President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom to congratulate him on his appointment," Tuesday's release read, noting that the "leaders agreed on the importance of working together to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its aggression, address the challenges posed by China, and secure sustainable and affordable energy resources."

They also highlighted their shared commitment to defending the accomplishments of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and maintaining momentum toward a negotiated agreement with the EU on the Northern Ireland Protocol, according to the announcement.

King Charles III appoints Sunak new PM, orders him to form government

Britain's King Charles III selected new Conservative leader Rishi Sunak as the country's second Prime Minister on Tuesday, shortly after accepting Liz Truss' resignation, and ordered him to form a government, Sky News reported.

Buckingham Palace released photos of Charles shaking Sunak's hand when he appointed him as Britain's first non-white Prime Minister.

Sunak was elected leader of the UK Conservative Party on Monday. After House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt announced her withdrawal from the race, he became the sole contender. He was sworn in as Prime Minister following an encounter with the King at Buckingham Palace.

Sunak became the first Prime Minister selected by King Charles III and the third Prime Minister of the United Kingdom this year.

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