King Charles vows stronger ties with Germany

BERLIN (AA) - Britain’s King Charles III called for stronger cooperation between the UK and Germany in a historic speech to the German parliament on Thursday.

"It means a lot to me, and to my wife, that we’re invited to Germany for my first overseas visit as the king," he said, speaking in German.

"I'm particularly pleased that I'm able to speak here today to reassert the commitment to friendship between our countries."

King Charles, who’s on a three-day state visit in Germany, became the first British monarch to address the German parliament.

During his speech, he underlined that the UK and Germany are united to defend liberal and democratic values, and support Ukraine against Russia.

"Security of Europe, and our democratic values came under threat. But the world did not stand idly by, and watch," he said, adding that the UK and Germany today are the two largest supporters of Ukraine.

"We are horrified by the dreadful destruction that we have seen, but let us get courage from our unity in defending Ukraine, defending liberty, and defending democracy," Charles said.

His comments received a prolonged applause from German Cabinet members, lawmakers and other guests.