18-07-2025
UK, Germany sign friendship treaty to boost ties, counter Russian threat
The British and German leaders have concluded a pact aimed at boosting their security, diplomacy and other collaboration in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The treaty on friendship and bilateral cooperation was signed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in London on Thursday.
The pact identifies the Russian aggression as "the most significant and direct threat" to the security of Britain and Germany.
It says the two countries "affirm as close Allies their deep commitment to each other's defence." It adds that the two "shall assist one another, including by military means, in case of an armed attack on the other."
The treaty also says Britain and Germany shall work to strengthen resilience and build capacity and capability against malicious cyber activity.
Starmer told a news conference that his country and Germany are "side by side, delivering growth and security." He added that the treaty "is an expression of our shared aims and values."
Merz stressed the importance of the pact, saying the two countries have never had such a treaty over the past decades.
In October last year, Britain and Germany signed a defense treaty to fortify their deterrence against Russia. The latest pact between the two countries is an apparent effort to tighten their solidarity through a treaty that covers a broader range of fields.
