European Council: EU, UK pledge annual summits to strengthen ties

European Council President António Costa has said that the EU and the UK agreed to hold summits on an annual basis.

He made these remarks after the first post-Brexit meeting between the two sides in London, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Costa stated that, as agreed, the EU and the UK would meet every year, signalling a commitment to regular dialogue between the two powers. The meeting represents the beginning of a new strategic partnership, with both sides seeking to work more closely on a range of issues, from trade to security cooperation.

The UK and the EU reached their most substantial redefinition of defence and trade relations since Brexit, spurred by disruptions to the global order under US President Donald Trump that encouraged both parties to move beyond their bitter split.

Almost nine years after the UK voted to leave the EU, the two sides agreed to collaborate on joint defence procurement projects. The deal also includes measures to simplify access for British food products and travellers entering the EU, along with the signing of a controversial new fisheries agreement.

By Naila Huseynova