UK-Australia Economic Ties Strong, Close Cooperation On Trade - STARMER

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) LONDON, Sept 26 (KUNA) -- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted on Friday the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese in 10 Downing Street.
The Prime Minister added that the UK-Australia economic partnership was strong, and we enjoyed close cooperation on trade.
Both leaders agreed to take this relationship into the future by exploring further opportunities to harness Australia's critical mineral reserves in areas like defence and technology, which would create jobs and deliver investments for the benefit of working people in both countries.
The leaders reiterated their commitment to AUKUS, which was an integral part of our shared security. They also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, including through ongoing work led by the Prime Minister to bring together allies in the Coalition of the Willing.
After the UK and Australia took the historic step to recognise the State of Palestine this week, the Prime Minister said now we needed to find a way forward to end the fighting, free the hostages, and deliver a long-term peace for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Meanwhile, later, Starmer met the Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney in London, PM office statement said.
The leaders began by reflecting on the strength of the UK-Canada relationship, and the Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Carney on hosting a successful G7 Leader's Summit in June.
They discussed Russia's reckless incursions on NATO airspace over recent weeks in Poland, Romania and Estonia.
Both leaders agreed that the Alliance remains united and prepared to defend NATO airspace decisively against any further provocations.
They underscored that Russia's dangerous and irresponsible behavior has only deepened NATO's resolve and solidarity with Ukraine.
The leaders reiterated the importance of intensifying international pressure on Russia's war machine, through financial sanctions and the use of immobilized assets to support Ukraine's reconstruction.
They expressed full solidarity with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen following recent incursions by unidentified drones into Danish airspace.
The leaders also reflected on the recognition of the State of Palestine and the urgent need to advance towards a sustainable peace in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Hamas must release all hostages, agree to an immediate ceasefire, accept that it will play no role in governing Gaza, and commit to full disarmament.
Elsewhere, they agreed on strengthening cooperation to drive growth for people in both the UK and Canada through the ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
It comes after the 2025 Global Progress Action Summit was held in London earlier in the day, and convened high-level discussions and debates aimed at shaping progressive policies and strategies to help governments deliver for working people in the global age of insecurity. (end)
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