London: Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Jordanian King Abdullah II, discussing with him a variety of topics and also had a phone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, said a statement by 10 Downing Street on Tuesday.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the statement revealed that Prime Minister Starmer met with the Jordanian King at Downing Street on February 16, noting that the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, including the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The statement affirmed that it was vital to continue to push for further access for humanitarian aid in Gaza and support for reform of the Palestinian Authority, in order to support the ceasefire and implementation of the US-led peace plan. It also mentioned that they welcomed the close bilateral relationship between the UK and Jordan, especially on defense cooperation, highlighting their importance as partners. They agreed to foster closer relationships to benefit businesses in both countries.
Meanwhile, Starmer's conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Carney included reflections on the Munich Security Conference. They discussed the deployment of the Carrier Strike Group to the North Atlantic and High North, led by HMS Prince of Wales, operating alongside Canada, the US, and other NATO allies. This move is seen as a commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. The British government highlighted the agreement between the UK and Canada on the importance of a more European NATO and the need to increase defense spending.