British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Scholz reached an agreement on closer cooperation in the field of defense, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
The two leaders called on Europe to unite in support of Ukraine against Russia. Their meeting came a day after Sunak announced that by 2030 the UK would increase its defense spending to 2.5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) per year. He noted that this is how Great Britain challenges other Europeans to follow its example.
The two leaders also announced plans to develop a 155mm remote-controlled wheeled howitzer.
„We are committed to providing a new framework for our defense cooperation and to immediately expand our industrial cooperation,” Sunak said at a press conference.
When asked about Germany rejecting a call to supply Kiev with Taurus cruise missiles, Scholz defended his decision. He stated that no other country has supplied as many military machines as Germany, but regarding the “Taurus” his opinion will not change.
The meeting in Berlin is Sunak's first visit to Germany since he became prime minister in October 2022. The British leader has scaled back his international travel, handing over much of British diplomacy to his foreign secretary, former prime minister David Cameron, while focuses on domestic politics ahead of this year's elections.
The British Prime Minister has announced a major increase in defense spending, saying the British arms industry must be on “war-ready”.
Sunak said the plans to increase defense spending are fully funded, and the money will come from cutting civil servants and some funds earmarked for research and development.
„Every administration is about setting priorities, and I decided to prioritize defense because I think it is the right thing for our country,” Sunak said.