Biden, Trump national security advisers hold first transition meeting

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met earlier this week with Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), whom President-elect Donald Trump has appointed as his incoming national security adviser, according to two sources familiar with the meeting.

This significant meeting marked the first direct engagement between Sullivan and his successor as the Trump administration prepares to take office amidst global crises. Despite the importance of the transition, it occurred without the Trump transition team signing a formal memorandum of understanding to fully initiate the process, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The meeting followed Sullivan's return from accompanying President Biden on his trip to South America. Discussions reportedly centred on several critical national security and foreign policy issues, including the ongoing war in Gaza and the plight of hostages held by Hamas.

While both Sullivan and Waltz declined to comment, Sullivan had previously remarked on his working relationship with Waltz during the latter's tenure as a member of the House of Representatives.

“He and I obviously don’t see eye to eye on every issue,” Sullivan said last week, “but I am very much looking forward to engaging him over these next 60 days... so that we can have this smooth handoff.”

The transition period is particularly sensitive as the next administration will inherit a landscape of intensifying international challenges, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated and thorough handover.

Further meetings and formal agreements are anticipated in the coming weeks to ensure continuity in addressing national security priorities.

By Vugar Khalilov