Biden mispronounces Sunak's name, the two later talk over the phone and pledge to back Ukraine

Soon after assuming the charge, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak talked toUS President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the phone separately.

According to AFP, Sunak's office said that the leaders of the US and UK discussed the extent of their partnership “both bilaterally and in regions such as the Indo-Pacific."

Both the leaders have also discussed the more contentious issue of Northern Ireland, the office said.

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Earlier,Biden had extended Diwali wishesto Sunak and called his appointment as "groundbreaking". During this congratulatory message, Biden mispronounced Sunak's name, calling him Rishi Sanook.The White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also mispronounced Sunak's name but corrected herself.

Before talking with Biden, Sunak first dialled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expressing UK's solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

"A privilege to speak to the President of Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky this evening. Both he and the Ukrainian people can count on the UK's continued solidarity and support. We will always stand with Ukraine," Sunak tweeted.

Zelensky, on the other hand, tweeted that it was an “excellent conversation”, with the two agreeing to “write a new chapter” in relations between the two countries.

On Tuesday briefing reporters outside Number 10, Sunak referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying: “Putin’s war in Ukraine has destabilised energy markets and supply chains the world over.”

Downing Street said both the leaders spoke “to underline the United Kingdom’s steadfast support for Ukraine”.

“The prime minister said the United Kingdom’s support for Ukraine would be as strong as ever under his premiership, and President Zelensky could count on his government to stand in continued solidarity.

“Both leaders agreed on the need to continue to place pressure onPutin’sbarbaric regime through continued economic sanctions.”

Sunak is the third UK prime minister this year and replaces Liz Truss, who served as Britain’s shortest-serving prime minister for just 45 days.

He also spokewith Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford.

(With inputs from agencies)

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