Officials at No. 10 Downing Street said that former US President Barack Obama had an “informal” meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
A lot of people are still confused about Monday’s meeting between Obama and Sunak on Downing Street.
Upon entering the mansion of the prime minister of the United Kingdom at 3 p.m. for an “unspecified private meeting,” the former president, who served from 2009 to 2017, waved to reporters.
An spokesman from Downing Street said that the former president stopped by for an “informal casual courteous drop-in” during his visit to London.
According to another Downing Street source, Obama and Sunak allegedly had a lengthy meeting on Monday afternoon, during which they spoke about “artificial intelligence (AI)” and “international relations,” among other things.
An official from Downing Street said, “President Obama’s staff made contact, and obviously the prime minister was extremely glad to meet with him and discuss the work of the Obama Foundation.”
Obama departed from the discussion with Sunak around one hour later.
Returning to the spotlight just after 4 p.m., Obama said, “I’m tempted,” indicating a desire to address reporters. The U.S. Ambassador to the UK, Jane D. Hartley, joined him.
The discussion, according to a spokeswoman for the Obamas, was partly about the Barack Obama Foundation, the former president and first lady’s nonprofit, and partly about their desire to take a holiday in London.
“Our Mission: To inspire, empower, and connect individuals to transform their world.” states the foundation’s mission statement, which is a bit nebulous.
Multiple visits to Downing Street occurred during Obama’s two years as president, and he met with Gordon Brown, the previous prime minister of Britain, in 2008 while campaigning, according to the Associated Press.
Prior to the Brexit vote in April 2016, Obama paid his most recent visit to Downing Street.
Obama has arrived at No 10. My guess is he is in the UK, to ensure one of our corrupt politicians fly out to Ukraine to keep Lockheed Martin in business over in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/IBNN0IIlpc
— Colette Murphy (@Iammurphycolet) March 18, 2024
Obama reportedly told British officials during that trip that the country would fall “back in line” in US trade talks if it left the EU. This information comes from Politico EU.
