Brussels [Belgium], April 2 (ANI): European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday said she held a discussion with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning of risks to global economic stability.
In a post on X, von der Leyen wrote that she had a “good call” with Starmer and that they discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. She said, “Iran’s actions are putting global economic stability at risk,” and added that “We will work with our partners to ensure freedom of navigation can resume as soon as possible.”
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy checkpoint, has been at the centre of rising geopolitical tensions amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Von der Leyen also said the leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties ahead of the EU-UK Summit, calling it “a key moment to deliver on last year’s commitments and further strengthen our partnership.”
Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that the ongoing Iran conflict will “affect the future” of Britain but insisted the UK is prepared to endure the economic fallout: “no matter how fierce this storm, we are well-placed to weather it.” He reiterated that “this is not our war” and that the UK will not be drawn into it because that would not be in the national interest.
Addressing concerns over rising living costs, Starmer said the most effective way to support the cost of living in Britain is to push for de-escalation in the Middle East and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. “To that end, we’re exploring each and every diplomatic avenue that is available to us,” he said.
Starmer announced that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will convene international partners later this week to assess diplomatic and political measures to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers, and resume the movement of vital commodities. He added that the UK has been coordinating widely — the foreign secretary and chancellor have met their G7 counterparts, the defence secretary has engaged partners in the Middle East, and 35 nations have joined the UK’s statement of intent to push for maritime security across the Gulf. (ANI)
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