During their meeting in the White House, US President Joe Biden voiced to British PM Boris Johnson his refusal to commit to a free trade agreement with the UK, assuring journalists that the talks are still ongoing in this regard.

Biden’s statement came in response to a reporter’s question in the Oval Office, saying that this matter is still under being examined.

Despite the ongoing talks, Biden issued a stern warning to his British guest, assuring him that he refuses to see any changes in the Irish borders due to Brexit, stressing that the two matters are completely separate.

The UK and US are staunch allies and the closest of partners.

We will stand side-by-side to protect our people and defend our values around the world.

🇬🇧🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/XeRm5KXAhs

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 21, 2021

Last week, Democratic US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi linked the conservancy of the Northern Ireland peace agreement, which preserves the open borders with the Republic of Ireland, to any trade negotiations with London.

The British government is currently negotiating with Brussels about the nature of the relationship that will govern the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union post-Brexit.

Johnson hails AUKUS agreement

For his part, Johnson welcomed the recent progress in the relationship between London and Washington, describing the lifting of restrictions on foreign travelers wishing to enter the US as "fantastic."

Johnson also praised the recent strategic AUKUS agreement between his country and the US and Australia, which in turn has angered France.

Following his talks with Biden, Johnson's spokesman said that the PM and the President discussed a number of international issues, including China and Russia. They agreed that Britain and the US would deal with these issues on the basis of “shared values.”