Transcript - Remarks: Joe Biden Holds a Bilat With Mette Frederiksen of Denmark - June 5, 2023 | Factba.se

Joe Biden

00:00:00 - 00:00:11 ()

Well, welcome. I am delighted to have Madam Prime Minister here today. Great to see you again.

Joe Biden

00:00:11 - 00:00:28 ()

We were just talking about the last time we met. I had the opportunity, which was a great opportunity -- unrelated to anything having to do with foreign policy -- that -- for her to meet my -- my granddaughters, who are bright young women who are college and law school graduates, who still talk to me about their meeting with the Prime Minister.

Mette Frederiksen

00:00:28 - 00:00:30 ()

Joe Biden

00:00:30 - 00:00:44 ()

And as we all know but we don't talk often much about it, Denmark is one of our greatest allies and most reliable friends, closest friends, and in lockstep in every global issue that we've -- that we've been engaged in.

Joe Biden

00:00:44 - 00:00:47 ()

And I understand today is Constitution Day.

Mette Frederiksen

00:00:47 - 00:00:48 ()

Yeah, it is. It is.

Joe Biden

00:00:48 - 00:01:17 ()

And -- and it's -- it reflects the fact that we have the same values. I mean, you know, I always talk about how, wh- -- it's about values, whether a country is organized around a certain set of values, and Constitution Day is not dissimilar than our U.S. Constitution. And the idea that there's a shared commitment to the core values of -- that gives our strength. At least that's what I believe.

Joe Biden

00:01:17 - 00:01:27 ()

And together we're working to protect those values, including standing up for the people of Ukraine against the brutal aggression of the Russians.

Joe Biden

00:01:27 - 00:01:39 ()

And we've also addressing the global challenges, from promoting inclusive economic growth and the climate crisis. And I want to thank you for your clean energy transition leadership. I really mean it.

Joe Biden

00:01:39 - 00:01:50 ()

And together with NATO Allies, we're taking steps to strengthen our shared security, including finishing our bilateral defense cooperation agreement that we're working on.

Joe Biden

00:01:50 - 00:01:55 ()

And I want to thank you again, Madam Prime Minister, for making the effort to be here. We're anxious to see you.

Joe Biden

00:01:55 - 00:01:57 ()

So, welcome. And the floor is yours.

Mette Frederiksen

00:01:57 - 00:02:04 ()

Thank you so much, Mr. President. It's really nice to see you again and to be here.

Mette Frederiksen

00:02:04 - 00:02:24 ()

I would -- I would like to thank you for your leadership. I mean, from a European perspective, to have a President in the U.S. who is committed to the transatlantic alliance has always been extremely important.

Mette Frederiksen

00:02:24 - 00:02:54 ()

But I mean, nowadays, when war has returned to our continent, in Europe, it is so important that our allies and our friends -- that we stick together, that we are united. And we have truly been for now 15 months, in Ukraine. We will, of course, continue, from a Danish perspective, our very strong -- strong support to Ukraine, but I'm looking forward to work even closer with you on defense and securities.

Mette Frederiksen

00:02:54 - 00:03:25 ()

I would also like to thank you for your leadership on the green transition. I mean, you have brought the U.S. back to the fight against climate change, and you are doing it in a very interesting way because you -- you don't -- you -- you have high ambitions when it comes to climate change, but at the same time you insist on making sure that Americans will have a job because of this. So, sustainable growth is so important.

Mette Frederiksen

00:03:25 - 00:03:30 ()

So, thanks for your leadership, and thanks for welcoming us today.

Joe Biden

00:03:30 - 00:03:31 ()

Well, I'm delighted to have you here. Thank you.

Joe Biden

00:03:31 - 00:03:33 ()

Thank you all. [Crosstalk]

Question

00:03:33 - 00:03:35 ()

Will the counteroffensive work?

Joe Biden

00:03:35 - 00:03:35 ()

[Biden does not answer verbally, but holds up crossed fingers]