Brussels, Oct 2 (EFE).- European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday called for closer cooperation between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Von der Leyen was meeting in Brussels with the UK prime minister Keir Starmer, who was visiting the EU headquarters in a bid to improve his country’s relationship with the bloc, Downing Street said.
Their meeting – Starmer’s first in Brussels since becoming PM in the summer – comes amid escalating violence in the Middle East.
At a t press conference, von der Leyen said the prevailing “uncertain times” meant that “like-minded partners” like the EU and UK “must cooperate more closely.”
Starmer echoed the EC president’s sentiments, saying the UK is determined to “return to pragmatic, sensible leadership” with regards to the EU-UK relationship, after several tense years in the wake of Brexit.
“We are determined to put this relationship back on a stable and positive basis, which I think we all want to see,” Starmer said.
On the conflict in the Middle East, the UK leader condemned Iran’s missile attack against Israel this week, and said his country “stands with Israel, recognizing its full right to security and self-defense.”
Von der Leyen also “strongly” condemned Iran’s attack, saying the “spiral of violence is threatening the lives of innocent civilians” and is “leading to a generalized conflict in the region” that must be “avoided at all costs.”
“The EU therefore continues to call for a ceasefire across the border with Lebanon (…) and the border in Gaza, and we will keep calling for the release of all hostages,” the Commission president said.
The two leaders also said they would continue their for Ukraine in its fight against Russia, and highlighted their close cooperation on issues such as climate change and irregular migration. EFE
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