ChatGPT said:
UK and Germany Sign Historic Treaty on Defense, Foreign Policy, and Economic Cooperation
[London, July 17, 2025] — The United Kingdom and Germany on Thursday signed a historic "Friendship and Cooperation Treaty," opening the door to a renewed and stronger bilateral relationship across defense, foreign policy, economic collaboration, and migration.
In a formal ceremony held in central London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed the landmark agreement.
The treaty is being described as a “major reset” in the relationship between the two nations and the most significant UK-Germany treaty since the end of World War II.
At the signing event, Chancellor Merz stated, “This is a historic day for German-British relations. A partnership like this should have been established long ago.”
He added, “After the UK’s departure from the European Union, we have the opportunity to work more closely together. We want deeper cooperation with Britain in defense, foreign policy, economic matters, and domestic affairs.”
The agreement includes a key provision for educational exchange programs that will promote visits and cultural understanding between students and schoolchildren in both countries.
“I am pleased that through this treaty, schoolchildren and students from both our countries will have greater opportunities to learn about each other’s nations firsthand,” said Merz.
Prime Minister Starmer also called the treaty a “critical milestone” in Britain’s international cooperation, particularly in tackling illegal migration.
He said, “This treaty shows the ambition of the UK and Germany to work closely together on security, trade, and defense.”
Starmer further confirmed that Germany has pledged to pass new legislation aimed at cutting off the supply of small boats used by human trafficking networks.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “Working with our international partners delivers results for the British people. We will dismantle the human smuggling networks and strengthen our borders.”
