UK, France agree to boost cooperation on defense, migration ahead of July summit

ISTANBUL

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday reaffirmed their commitment to closer bilateral cooperation on defense and migration during a meeting on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada.

According to a statement from the UK Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders discussed the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and emphasized the need to pursue peace through diplomacy and dialogue.

They agreed this should remain a central focus for G7 partners during the summit.

Looking ahead to the upcoming UK-France summit on July 11, both leaders called for "high-ambition outcomes" that deliver tangible benefits to both the British and French people.

Migration was highlighted as a priority area, with both sides acknowledging the worsening conditions in the English Channel and expressing the need for innovative and coordinated responses with international partners.

Defense and security cooperation was also on the agenda. The statement said both leaders viewed the G7 as an opportunity to deepen existing ties in these areas.

On Ukraine, the two leaders reaffirmed their enduring support for securing “a just and lasting peace” and maintaining pressure on Russia.

Macron echoed similar sentiments on X, calling for a ceasefire in Ukraine and Gaza and urging renewed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.

"We reviewed the many positions France and the United Kingdom share on major global challenges and conflicts," Macron said, adding that the joint work will continue at the UK-France summit in London next month.