Germany and the UK to sign new cooperation agreement

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as part of his visit to Berlin. Following the meeting, a joint statement was released regarding deepening and developing relations between the UK and Germany.

Stating that Germany and the UK share a strong friendship, common values, and mutual interests, the joint statement read: “We are close partners in Europe and internationally, and long-standing allies in NATO. Today, we believe that given the common challenges our countries face, it is time to take our bilateral relations to the next level. To this end, we are beginning work on a bilateral cooperation agreement and will hold intergovernmental consultations to sign it early next year.”

It was emphasized that the agreement in question would reflect the status of the two countries as each other's closest partners in Europe by ensuring the strongest possible cooperation on the most important issues for the citizens of the UK and Germany.

The document noted that the Foreign Ministries would coordinate efforts to negotiate the bilateral agreement in close consultation with the prime ministerial offices and relevant ministries, stating: “In this context, we welcome the work being rapidly carried out on a new defense agreement between our Ministries of Defense. This agreement forms a key pillar of the upcoming bilateral cooperation agreement.”

“WE ARE DETERMINED TO STRENGTHEN EUROPE'S DEFENSE”

The statement indicated that the two countries' shared priorities include cooperation in foreign policy, economic growth, industrial transformation, law enforcement cooperation, combating irregular migration, youth and education, energy security, climate and nature policy, development policy, transport and infrastructure, as well as technology, research, and innovation.

Pointing out that Germany and the UK are determined to defend and promote peace and security in Europe, the text stated: “We are determined to deter Russia, continue our support for Ukraine, and strengthen Europe's defense.”

News Source: İHA