British Prime Minister holds phone calls with NATO Secretary General, European Council President, and German Chancellor

London, July 20 (KUNA) -- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham held telephone conversations today, Monday, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Council President Antonio Costa, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss a number of regional and international issues of common interest. The British government said in a statement that Burnham discussed with the NATO Secretary General the developments in Ukraine and ways to support it against Russian threats. Rutte, according to the statement, expressed his welcome of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s strong support for Ukraine. The statement noted that the British Prime Minister congratulated Rutte on the success of the recent NATO summit held in Turkey, considering it “sent a strong message to the world that NATO members are united in these difficult times.” In another call with European Council President Antonio Costa, Burnham emphasized the importance of working to make Europe stronger by enhancing relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union. According to the statement, Burnham called for action to address shared challenges, particularly military and security ones, as well as cooperation to achieve economic growth in the UK and EU member states. Burnham also spoke, according to the statement, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, especially economic and security areas, as well as to discuss border issues. The new British Prime Minister expressed his hope to work with the German Chancellor and French President Emmanuel Macron to intensify efforts to achieve a just peace in Ukraine. (End) A.S.H / S.A.M