Britain's new Prime Minister Gordon Brown will downplay any suggestion of strained US-British relations in his upcoming meeting with President George W. Bush. Despite recent speeches by Brown's ministers sparking speculation about a shift in foreign policy, Brown insists that the UK's relationship with the US remains strong. While Brown and Bush will emphasize the importance of their "special relationship" at their meeting, Brown is not expected to develop the same close personal bond with Bush as his predecessor, Tony Blair. Instead, their interactions are likely to be more focused on a professional working relationship rather than personal chemistry. The agenda will cover topics such as global trade liberalisation talks, climate change, as well as issues in Darfur, Iraq, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Russia, and Iran, according to Brown's spokesman. Brown has stated that Britain will fulfill its United Nations' obligations in Iraq and will not immediately withdraw British troops, despite some in the ruling Labour Party calling for it. However, the head of the British military has suggested that Britain may be able to hand over control of Basra to Iraqi forces by the end of the year. Regarding Iran, Brown has mentioned that military action is not ruled out, but he believes sanctions could persuade Tehran to abandon its disputed nuclear program. The close relationship between Bush and Blair was established following the September 11 attacks and their joint decision to go to war in Iraq. The ongoing violence in Iraq was a major factor in Blair's resignation as Prime Minister, leading to a strong backlash from both voters and his own party. He handed over leadership to his longtime finance minister Brown, who is eager to distance himself from being associated with Blair as Bush's "poodle." Brown's reputation is not linked to being a poodle, unlike Blair's, according to Reginald Dale from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Brown has managed to improve the ruling party's popularity since taking office, leading to speculation of a possible early election. Brown's decision to meet with European leaders before meeting with Bush has raised eyebrows, indicating a cooler stance towards the European Union. The discussion about a change in British foreign policy started when Brown appointed David Miliband as foreign secretary. Miliband, who was believed to have doubts about the Iraq war, was seen as a key figure in this shift. Additionally, Brown also appointed Mark Malloch Brown, a former UN deputy secretary general who has been vocal in his criticism of both Britain and the United States regarding the war. Malloch Brown recently stated that the close relationship between Brown and Bush may not be as strong as it was between Blair and Bush. Another minister emphasized the importance of alliances over military power in determining a country's strength during a speech in Washington.