Truss declares Macron a friend as pair forge working relationship

Last updated Oct 7, 2022

Prime Minister Liz Truss labeled Emmanuel Macron a “friend” as they announced plans to work together at the first meeting of a new political club of nations.

Truss had declined to say whether the French President was a “friend or foe”, during her leadership campaign.

The French President said he hoped for a “new phase” in post-Brexit relations.

The pair agreed to step up cooperation on “ending” small boat crossings in the Channel and announced a summit in 2023.

Leaders from the EU, the UK, Turkey, Norway and the Balkans met at the first European Political Community in Prague on Thursday.

They discussed energy, migration and security, with a particular focus on the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke via video link.

The summit, billed as a European Political Community beyond the EU, has been championed by Macron, who told reporters on Thursday it sent a “message of unity”.

The prime minister and Macron released a joint statement promising an “ambitious” package of measures aimed at “ending” small boat crossings on the Channel.

Macron said: “We have values and history so I’m happy that we meet again.

Agencies