UK premier, French president discuss bilateral ties, Mideast situation

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, in a meeting in Paris on Friday, discussed bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East as well as European security.

The leaders' meeting took place ahead of an international meeting in Paris co-chaired by the UK and France to discuss a proposed maritime initiative aimed at securing navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a statement from Starmer's office, the two discussed the Middle East situation and agreed on the need for long-term peace to ensure the region's return to global stability and security.

Turning to bilateral relations, both leaders discussed how the UK and France were embarking on a new era of global collaboration through the formation of the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine and the Strait of Hormuz Maritime Freedom of Navigation Initiative.

During the meeting, Starmer also set out his ambition for a closer relationship between the UK and EU, reflecting the threats and challenges now faced and the need to build a "stronger Europe," according to the statement.

Starmer and Macron also discussed the war in Ukraine and the migration issue, as both leaders agreed on the need to continue momentum to drive down illegal crossings between the two countries.