President Joe Biden warmly received Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala at the White House, praising the Czech Republic for its unwavering support as a NATO ally and for its recent legislative commitment to defense spending, according to an official readout. The two leaders discussed a variety of issues ranging from defense to democracy.

In an overt show of support for transatlantic unity, both Biden and Fiala avowed their "iron-clad commitment to the NATO Alliance," which they believe "makes us all safer." This announcement comes on the heels of the Czech Republic's landmark move to allot at least 2 percent of its GDP to defense. The President also seized the opportunity to laud the Czech's decision to upgrade its air force, a $4.5 billion deal that will beneficially contribute to U.S. job creation by securing 24 U.S. F-35s as stated in a White House statement.

The alliance's joint stance was clearly communicated as both leaders voiced steadfast support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia's ongoing aggression. Security and strategic interests didn't eclipse issues abroad as Biden and Fiala firmly denounced the recent escalations against Israel by Iranian forces and their proxies. They upheld Israel's right to defend itself "in accordance with international law," while also calling for amplified humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Among the topics of energy security and democratic integrity, Biden and Fiala agreed to jointly combat foreign misinformation. The upcoming memorandum of understanding aims to protect democratic institutions from the rising tide of disinformation. This effort marks a significant stride to not only bolster their own countries' defenses but also to reaffirm the collective values that undergird their strategic partnership.