By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Monday with his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store in Bergen, Norway to sign a strategic partnership agreement aimed at bolstering defense, security and economic cooperation between the two countries.
According to a statement from 10 Downing Street, the partnership reflects the enduring relationship between the UK and Norway, with Starmer describing the Nordic country as "one of the UK’s closest allies, an important defense and security partner, and a critical supporter of European security."
Central to the discussions was Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
The leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Kyiv, with Starmer underscoring his commitment to placing Ukraine in the strongest possible position heading into 2025.
He highlighted the use of key initiatives that included "using mechanisms such as economic sanctions and the shadow fleet initiative to crack down on critical revenue sources funding (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s war machine."
The leaders emphasized the role of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) -- a coalition of northern European nations that are among Ukraine’s strongest supporters -- in ensuring regional stability.
They agreed that the JEF remains pivotal to safeguarding security across the North Atlantic as well as the Nordic and Baltic regions.