– We have to work with him, is Biden’s answer to the question of a trade agreement, which the UK wants to make.

Further, Biden said that the deal was something that “continues to be discussed”. The deal was launched as one of the benefits of leaving the European Union by Brexit supporters before the 2016 referendum.

Biden warned that neither he nor his Republican counterparts in Washington wanted the Irish border to close after Brexit, but insisted they were “two different issues”.

Biden’s party partner, Nancy Pelosi, who is a speaker in the House of Representatives, last week linked Ireland’s open borders to possible trade talks with Britain. The UK government is still in negotiations with the EU on customs rules for Northern Ireland.

Johnson praised the “major progress” in relations between London and Washington in recent times, and said the easing of restrictions for foreigners wishing to travel to the United States was “fantastic”. He also praised the new defense agreement between Britain, the United States and Australia.

The treaty, which provided Australia with nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and Britain, has stirred resentment in France.

France itself has a lucrative agreement to deliver submarines to Australia, and believes they are being led behind the light by a close ally. They are supported by EU leaders and several other European allies.