Obama meets UK PM Sunak in unplanned visit

Former President Barack Obama surprises Westminster with unannounced visit, engaging in discussions with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about artificial intelligence and the Obama Foundation

Former U.S. President Obama’s unexpected visit to No. 10 Downing Street on March 18 to meet U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has surprised Westminster and the public.

Arriving shortly after 3 p.m., Barack Obama, who led the U.S. from 2009 to 2017, greeted the press with waves before his one-hour meeting with Sunak. This visit marks Obama’s first return to Downing Street since his presidency.

The prime minister’s official spokesman commented on the nature of the visit, saying, “He was making an informal courtesy drop-in as part of his trip to London, where he is conducting work for the Obama Foundation.”

The two leaders reportedly discussed a range of subjects, including artificial intelligence and the activities of the Obama Foundation.

Obama, in London for a meeting of his non-profit organization, did not directly address the press’ questions as he left Downing Street.

However, he humorously noted he was “tempted” to respond when queried about his views on Russian democracy.

The timing of this meeting is interesting as Sunak currently faces internal challenges within the Conservative Party and speculation about an impending general election.

Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch expressed her view on the internal party dynamics, urging her colleagues to support Sunak. “These people who are going around are being self-indulgent, but this is part and parcel of politics,” she asserted.

Simultaneously, the White House has been downplaying reports of a rivalry between Obama and current President Joe Biden.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the strength of their relationship, saying, “The two presidents, President Obama and President Biden, have a very good relationship … You all have seen it over the past several years.”

Though brief, Obama’s visit seems more than a simple courtesy call. It intersects with significant political narratives in the U.K. and the U.S., offering a moment of diplomatic interaction amid domestic and international tensions.

Source: Newsroom