Britain and India stress the importance of de-escalation in the Middle East and reopening the Strait of Hormuz

London, July 31 (KUNA) -- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham held talks today with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, on ways to strengthen bilateral relations, alongside developments in the Middle East and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A statement issued by the British government said that the two sides reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East during a phone call and agreed to continue working to de-escalate tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, thereby contributing to regional stability. The statement added that Burnham emphasized the importance of the free trade agreement recently concluded between the United Kingdom and India, noting that it would create new economic opportunities for the peoples of both countries and enhance trade cooperation between them. He pointed out that the British Prime Minister also reaffirmed his personal commitment to the UK-India technological security initiative, and that both sides agreed to expand cooperation in advanced technology fields, including artificial intelligence. (End) A.S.H / M.N.F