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Boris Johnson told the President of the United States, Donald Trump, that he is “on the road to recovery” as he recovers from the coronavirus in his retirement in the country of Checkers.
In a sign that the prime minister was gradually returning to work, Downing Street said they discussed the need for an international response to the pandemic and a post-Brexit trade deal.
The White House said Johnson “shared that he feels better” during the call.
The two leaders also discussed the need for cooperation to “reopen global economies,” the White House said.
Johnson is expected to have a telephone hearing with the Queen later this week for the first time in three weeks, during which he spent time in intensive care with Covid-19.
The Prime Minister thanked the President for his good wishes while he was ill, and discussed the need for a coordinated response to the disease.
Trump has been widely criticized for stopping U.S. payments to the World Health Organization, which he accused of not doing enough to stop the spread of the disease outside of China.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump this afternoon and thanked him for his good wishes while he was ill.”
“Leaders agreed on the importance of a coordinated international response to the coronavirus, including through the G7, currently chaired by the United States.
“They also discussed the continued cooperation between the United Kingdom and the United States in the fight against the pandemic.
“The leaders pledged to continue working together to strengthen our bilateral relationship, including by signing a free trade agreement as soon as possible.”
A White House spokesman said: “President Trump and Prime Minister Johnson reaffirmed their close cooperation through the G7 and G20 to reopen world economies and ensure that medical care and supplies reach all in need.”
(Image: Getty Images)
“President Trump and Prime Minister Johnson also discussed bilateral and global issues, including our shared commitment to reaching a free trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom.”
With the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, deputy to the Prime Minister, the call was an early indication that Johnson had resumed some duties.
But Number 10 emphasized that he is not “formally” doing the government’s job.
Raab will take the prime minister’s questions at the Commons on Wednesday and will chair a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
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