- Scholz and Starmer are fostering cooperation between Germans and the British.
Germany and the UK are looking to revamp their partnership with a fresh agreement. As referenced by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's first visit to Berlin on Wednesday, they're not interested in empty promises. Instead, they aim to entirely overhaul their bond. "We're venturing into uncharted territory," said Scholz. "We're inaugurating a fresh era in British-German relations," confirmed Starmer. It's an "excellent opening."
Simultaneously, Scholz and Starmer presented a joint statement during their joint press conference. The treaty on bilateral collaboration, currently under development, is set to be signed at the start of the upcoming year, they declared. Subsequent consultations between governments in both Berlin and London will also occur. This partnership responds to the "predicaments confronting our two nations" and elevates their relationship to a "higher tier," the announcement noted.
At the officer's residence in Berlin, Scholz emphasized the historic cooperative bond between Germany and the UK, rooted in shared morals and longstanding camaraderie. "We'll nurture and strengthen this alliance for the betterment of our people, Europe, and the transatlantic region," he stated.
Keir Starmer and Olaf Scholz pen defense accord
"Today marks a new beginning in British-German relations," Starmer asserted. The "core" of the agreement revolves around a new defense pact. "Yet, we'll also collaborate more closely on matters like combating illegal immigration and climate protection," Starmer added.
Scholz commended Starmer's "fresh approach" to relationships with the EU. "We're eager to seize this opportunity," the Chancellor stated. After all, the UK has always been "crucial" in addressing pan-European issues.
In the joint statement, it was highlighted that Germany and the UK share "firm friendship and shared interests." "The treaty will mirror our status as particularly close EU partners, with maximal bilateral collaboration in areas that have the greatest impact on our citizens," it stated.
Both nations back Ukraine
Key focal points include "political cooperation for peace and security," economic growth, and "industrial transformation." Germany and the UK also intend to work in tandem in irregular migration and law enforcement. Areas such as youth and education, energy security, climate and environmental policy, development cooperation, transportation, and technology, research, and innovation will be considered for this treaty.
The joint statement also underscored their joint commitment to Ukraine, which is currently under siege by Russia. "We are steadfast in our intentions to deter a more assertive Russia, sustain our support for Ukraine, and strengthen European defense," it declared. Through their collaboration in the military sector, Germany and the UK plan to ensure that "our deterrence and defense capability in the Euro-Atlantic region remains credible and robust against any potential threat and adversary."
Scholz greeted Starmer with military salutes. Prior to that, Starmer was greeted by German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Schloss Bellevue. It was Starmer's inaugural visit to Germany since his assumption of office in early July.
In this context, here are two sentences that contain the term 'The United Kingdom':
Despite the focus on the defense pact, Starmer also mentioned the importance of collaboration on issues like combating illegal immigration and climate protection, which are significant concerns for 'The United Kingdom'.
The joint statement emphasizes the strong friendship and shared interests between Germany and 'The United Kingdom', positioning them as particularly close EU partners, aiming for maximal bilateral collaboration in areas that impact their citizens the most.
