The leaders of Germany and Britain announced on Wednesday new joint projects to deepen defence and security cooperation between the two NATO allies.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak arrived in Berlin last night for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. At a news conference in Berlin, Scholz emphasised that the allies must strengthen NATO’s European pillar to meet new security threats.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Prime Minister revealed the two countries’ plans to develop a new generation of remote-controlled artillery guns for European defence.
A government source said the new 155mm howitzer would provide ‘combat capabilities for future ground wars’ as well as creating hundreds of jobs in both countries. Mr. Sunak. said:
“The UK and Germany are European powerhouses. Together, we are stronger – whether that is defending against Russian aggression or driving economic growth and technological advance. Today we are opening a new chapter in our relationship, one that will make us safer and more prosperous. At this dangerous moment for the world, the UK and Germany are standing side by side to preserve security and prosperity at home and across our continent.”
This visit is the first one to Berlin since Sunak became Prime Minister.
The two leaders focused on defence issues and also discussed cooperation in renewable energy and other areas. German companies such as RWE are set to spend billions on new wind farms in the UK.
Sunak also added:
“We’ve committed to delivering a new framework for our cooperation on defence, and we’re delivering an immediate expansion of our industrial cooperation, announcing a joint endeavor to procure the Boxer artillery system, providing our soldiers with a new cutting edge capability and supporting hundreds of German and British jobs.”
