Blinken to visit UK for talks on Middle East and Ukraine

Blinken’s visit comes a week after Britain suspended some arms export licenses with Israel over concerns the equipment could be used in the Gaza conflict.

By: Express Web Desk

September 8, 2024 06:38 AM IST

2 min read

Blinken’s visit aims to reaffirm the US-UK relationship while addressing pressing global security challenges. (AP photo)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to the United Kingdom on Monday, as part of a two-day trip to open the US-UK Strategic Dialogue, according to the State Department. Blinken’s visit comes a week after Britain suspended some arms export licenses with Israel over concerns the equipment could be used in the Gaza conflict.

During his visit, Blinken will meet with senior UK officials to discuss key issues, including the Indo-Pacific, the AUKUS defense pact between the US, UK, and Australia, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Discussions will also cover Middle East tensions, particularly in Gaza.

Britain recently suspended 30 of its 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing concerns that the equipment could be used in ways that violate international humanitarian law. This move has added to global pressure, including in the US, where the Biden administration faces calls to limit arms deliveries to Israel.

Blinken’s visit aims to reaffirm the US-UK relationship while addressing pressing global security challenges.

Also Read: | Amid infighting in Israel, can Netanyahu carry on with his war policy in Gaza?

Earlier, he had called on Hamas to accept a US proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. This appeal came after a “very constructive” meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. He emphasized that the latest effort to secure an agreement might be the best and possibly last opportunity for both sides.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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