Story highlights
The United Kingdom's newly appointed Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, on Saturday (July 6), embarked on his first international trip to Germany. The trip comes just a day after the Labour Party's sweeping victory in the 2024 UK General Election.
UK 'an indispensable part of Europe'
In a bid to "reset" relations with European allies, Lammy, 51, met with his German counterpart, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who emphasised that "Together we stand up for #democracy and #freedom in the world."
Baerbock's office took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to state that "the United Kingdom is an indispensable part of Europe" and that Germany is eager to collaborate with the new UK government "to see how the UK can move closer to the EU."
The United Kingdom is an indispensable part of Europe. Whether in science, culture or security - 🇩🇪 and 🇬🇧 work closely together: We are working with the new UK government to see how the UK can move closer to the #EU. 5/5
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) July 6, 2024
Lammy, who succeeded Conservative David Cameron as foreign secretary, shared photos of his meeting with Baerbock on X, along with the caption: "It's time to reset our relationship with our European friends and allies. That's why I'm in Germany, on my first visit as Foreign Secretary."
Key Discussions on NATO, Ukraine, and Climate Change
The talks between Lammy and Baerbock, as per reports, covered a range of pressing issues, including boosting NATO's support for Ukraine, addressing the situation in the Middle East, and tackling climate change.
"Together @ABaerbock and I will address shared threats and support Ukraine," wrote Lammy on X.
It's time to reset our relationship with our European friends and allies. That's why I'm in Germany, on my first visit as Foreign Secretary.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) July 6, 2024
Together @ABaerbock and I will address shared threats and support Ukraine.
Still made time for the football - come on England! pic.twitter.com/qlGXbO5R0f
A Touch of Football Diplomacy
On X, Lammy also said that amid serious discussions, he and Baerbock "still made time for the football."
"Come on England," he added, posting a picture of them watching England's Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Switzerland on a laptop.