Dielli | The Sun

Albanian American Newspaper Devoted to the Intellectual and Cultural Advancement of the Albanians in America | Since 1909

White House Briefing Room Statements

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January 26/

Readout of  President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg of NATO/

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The President thanked the Secretary General for his steadfast leadership of the Alliance, and conveyed his intention to consult and work with allies on the full range of shared security concerns, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Russia. President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to collective defense under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty and underscored his commitment to strengthening transatlantic security. The President also emphasized the importance of shared values, consultation, and capabilities to strengthen deterrence and counter new and emerging threats, including climate change and global health security.

Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Vladimir Putin of Russia

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. They discussed both countries’ willingness to extend New START for five years, agreeing to have their teams work urgently to complete the extension by February 5. They also agreed to explore strategic stability discussions on a range of arms control and emerging security issues. President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. He also raised other matters of concern, including the SolarWinds hack, reports of Russia placing bounties on United States soldiers in Afghanistan, interference in the 2020 United States election, and the poisoning of Aleksey Navalny. President Biden made clear that the United States will act firmly in defense of its national interests in response to actions by Russia that harm us or our allies. The two presidents agreed to maintain transparent and consistent communication going forward.

January 25

Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, conveying his desire to deepen relations between our countries. He expressed his intention to revitalize the transatlantic alliance, including through NATO and with the European Union, as the cornerstone of our collective security and shared democratic values. The leaders agreed to work together on common foreign policy priorities, including Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, and the Western Balkans. The leaders also agreed on the importance of global cooperation, including via renewed American commitment to multilateral organizations, on combating climate change, containing COVID-19 and advancing health security, and pursuing a sustainable global economic recovery.

January 24

Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Emmanuel Macron of France

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Emmanuel Macron of France to express his desire to strengthen bilateral ties with our oldest ally. President Biden also stressed his commitment to bolstering the transatlantic relationship, including through NATO and the United States’ partnership with the European Union. The leaders agreed on the need for close coordination, including through multilateral organizations, in tackling common challenges such as climate change, COVID-19, and the global economic recovery.  They also agreed to work together on shared foreign policy priorities, including China, the Middle East, Russia, and the Sahel.