The British and Irish governments agreed on Saturday to hold an annual summit on trade and cooperation from 2025, as part of a process aimed at deepening bilateral relations.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Irish counterpart Simon Harris agreed on the initiative at a meeting in Dublin, on Starmer’s first visit to the neighbouring country since his election victory on July 4.
The first trip to the Irish capital by a British leader in five years marked, according to Downing Street, “a new era of cooperation and friendship”, after a period of tensions with the previous Conservative government in London over Brexit.
The new annual summits, which will begin next March, will focus on four key areas: security, justice and global issues; climate, energy, technology and innovation; growth, trade and investment; and culture, education and human connections, it said in a statement.
“Renewed and strengthened alliance”
Starmer and Harris said Saturday’s meeting marked the start of an ambitious programme towards a “renewed and strengthened alliance”.
The Labour leader also reiterated in statements to the press his intention to “reset” relations with the European Union (EU), of which Ireland remains a member, in areas such as security and defence but also to reduce trade frictions.
The leaders met with representatives from leading Irish companies, including Accenture, Primark and Dawn Meats, to discuss their plans to promote growth and investment.
Arriving at the official Farmleigh House residence at midday, Starmer was greeted by Harris, who wished him “a hundred thousand welcomes” and said he wanted to repay “the time you have given him” by welcoming him to British territory after winning the election by an absolute majority.
The Taoiseach, or head of government of the Republic of Ireland, was the first international leader the Labour leader saw upon taking office, which he stressed symbolised the importance he placed on ties with the neighbouring nation.
Harris noted that the restoration of bilateral relations must be based on “peace and prosperity, mutual respect and friendship,” and recalled that the “most solemn duty” they share is that of co-guarantor of the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Starmer and Harris, who have held the post since July and April respectively, will attend the Nations League football match between the Republic of Ireland and England, for which police have mounted a heavy security operation.
The two leaders, who received T-shirts with their names on the back and the number 24 from the opposing camp, joked that during this period they would put aside their collaboration to encourage their teams.
