'Like an awkward first date': A body language expert's take on Biden and Sunak
By Judi James, body language expert
Both men will be well aware that relationships between countries tend to be defined on a global stage by the ritualistic poses between their leaders.
This must be why Mr Sunak performed the ultimate gesture of respect with this "act of inconvenience" greeting ritual, standing out on a breezy tarmac to hail the president the moment he set foot on Northern Irish soil.
The prime minister showed puppy-like keenness to re-affirm that two countries' "special relationship", but seemed to receive little in return.
As the two men shook hands and while Mr Sunak was still talking, Mr Biden's gaze had moved on to a man in uniform and he used his left hand to steer or even push the PM out of the way so he could perform a salute.
There was a back pat from Mr Biden for Sunak at one point but in political terms this would be known as a power-pat, where the one patting registers a paternal-style dominance over the one on the receiving end.
During the tea-table photocall, Mr Sunak fared even worse, with Mr Biden's non-verbal signals of disconnection looking like the sort you'd normally see on a first date when the reality has failed to live up to the online profile.
Mr Biden and Mr Sunak at their short 'bi-latte'
There was no eye contact from Mr Biden, who sat facing the cameras with his legs crossed away from the PM, only communicating with the press photographers.
Mr Sunak's body language moved from ingratiating smiles and flattering attention to a rigid, awkward smile followed by a biting of his lower lip and some anxious fiddling with his jacket.
Apparently ignored by Mr Biden, he at one point resorted to sipping from what looked like an empty tea cup. 
Even when the press was being ushered from the room, leaving both men sitting alone, there was still no apparent sign from Mr Biden that he might want to relax and chat or even to exchange a grin.
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