Starmer and Macron commit to strengthening UK-France ties

FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron pledged on Thursday to strengthen ties with the UK in areas such as defence, security, migration, and energy following a meeting with Keir Starmer in Paris.

A British government spokesperson stated that Starmer and Macron "agreed on the importance of further strengthening and broadening the close relationship between the UK and France in the coming months" and committed to working more closely to dismantle migrant smuggling routes and enhance intelligence-sharing.

Starmer's visit to Paris, which included attending the Paralympics opening ceremony on Wednesday, followed a trip to Germany. There, he and Chancellor Olaf Scholz agreed to work on a treaty addressing issues ranging from defence to trade.

This visit to key EU powers, Germany and France, aligns with Starmer's commitment after his election win on 4 July to improve Britain's relations with European allies post-Brexit and to stimulate economic growth.

Macron and Starmer also discussed the situation in the Middle East, reiterating their call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The two leaders emphasised the continued importance of supporting Ukraine against Russia's invasion to ensure the defence and security of Kyiv and Europe.

Both leaders had previously met during the July NATO summit and the European Political Community summit at Blenheim Palace in England and had a phone conversation on 9 August.

(With inputs from Reuters)