British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived last night in Germany for his first visit abroad in his capacity as prime minister, reported France Press, quoted by BTA.
The trip, which after Germany will take the British Prime Minister to Paris, is a sign of his desire for rapprochement with the European Union after Brexit
Labour's Starmer, who came to power in July after 14 years of Conservative rule, has ruled out joining the European single market, customs union or free movement of people treaty. However, he is committed to restoring trust with European allies and, in particular, wants to negotiate a new security pact and a better trade deal with the EU-27.
The Prime Minister, who will be welcomed with a military ceremony in Berlin this morning, is expected to discuss with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz negotiating a new bilateral agreement similar to the Lancaster House agreement that France and Britain signed in 2010
The new agreement, which is a "pillar of the UK's renewed relationship with Europe", should, according to "Downing Street" to be finalized in early 2025. It is expected to boost trade, expand security cooperation and strengthen "joint action against illegal immigration," the British Prime Minister's Office said.
The issue of illegal immigration is extremely sensitive in both countries, especially after recent knife attacks - the attack in the English city of Southport in late July sparked racist and Islamophobic protests and riots, and the one in Solingen on Friday reignited the debate in Germany about migration.
After Berlin, Starmer is expected to arrive in Paris tonight for the opening of the Paralympic Games, and on Thursday he will be welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace.
At the end of July, London and Berlin have already pledged to cooperate more closely on defense and security matters, signing a declaration (billed as the first of its kind between NATO allies) that is expected to lead to a strengthening of the defense industries of both countries.
The new agreement represents a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink our relationship with Europe," Starmer is expected to tell Scholz, according to "Downing Street".
At their meeting, the two heads of government will also discuss military support for Ukraine. The United Kingdom and Germany are under pressure to maintain their aid to Kiev, notes AFP.