British Prime Minister and European Council President discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and support Ukraine
London, August 24 (KUNA) -- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and European Council President Antonio Costa discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and support Ukraine on Monday, ahead of the UK-EU summit scheduled for later this year. The British government said in a statement that Burnham emphasized the need for the UK to be “bolder in its rapprochement with the European Union,” reaffirming both sides’ commitment to enhancing defense and security ties to achieve greater cooperation across all fields. Regarding Ukraine, the statement noted that officials who traveled to Ukraine to celebrate its Independence Day stressed that it was “a crucial moment to demonstrate unity and solidarity with Ukraine.” On the upcoming UK-EU summit, the two leaders agreed that the event would provide a “platform” for stronger coordination between them.
Meanwhile, the British prime minister arrived in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on his first international trip since assuming office in July last year. During his participation in the “Coalition of the Willing” meeting, he plans to provide Ukraine with plans for long-range missiles. In a statement issued earlier, Burnham affirmed that the UK would support Kyiv against the “illegal war” waged by Russia against it. He said, “We will stand with Ukraine throughout the battle and in the upcoming reconstruction... and we will create opportunities for the peoples of our countries,” stressing that “Russia should have no doubt about our resolve; we will not back down until a just and lasting peace is achieved.”
It is worth noting that in 2023, the UK supplied Ukraine with long-range offensive weapons for defensive purposes. Additionally, as part of its century-long partnership with Ukraine, the UK has provided financial support worth 25 billion pounds ($34.08 billion), military assistance worth 16 billion pounds ($21.80 billion), and non-military support worth 5.6 billion pounds ($7.63 billion). (End) A.S.H./N.B.S.
