CHANGES LEDE, DECK; EDITS THROUGHOUT
By Gizem Nisa Cebi and Burak Bir
ISTANBUL/LONDON (AA) - The first annual UK-Ireland Summit, set for Thursday, will focus on strengthening national security, fostering economic growth and enhancing energy security, according to an official statement.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris are expected to lead discussions on these key issues as they meet in London to bolster bilateral ties, said the statement released Wednesday by the British government.
The summit, following a broader European security meeting in London earlier this week, will emphasize the importance of cooperation in safeguarding peace and prosperity in Europe and beyond.
Starmer highlighted the intertwined nature of energy and national security in the statement, saying that "energy security and national security are two sides of the same coin."
"We must work with our allies and partners across the world to protect the hardworking British people from external factors driving up household bills," he added.
A central focus of the summit will be the announcement of a closer collaboration between the UK and Ireland on offshore energy development in the Irish and Celtic seas.
A new data-sharing agreement is also set to streamline processes for commercial developers, cutting bureaucratic delays and accelerating investment in renewable energy, which is seen as a key element of both sides’ strategies for enhancing energy security.
Trade and investment will also feature prominently on the agenda. The two leaders will host a business roundtable with leaders from key sectors including technology, finance, clean energy and artificial intelligence (AI).
The UK government has welcomed £185.5 million ($239 million) in new Irish investments, which are expected to create 2,540 jobs across Ireland. At the same time, UK-based freight wagon manufacturer WH Davis secured a £100 million contract with Irish Rail, further cementing the countries' deepening economic ties.
With bilateral trade exceeding £80 billion last year, the UK and Ireland continue to play crucial roles in each other's economies. The summit will also highlight the importance of joint efforts to address security challenges, including ongoing commitments to Ukraine and regional stability.
As part of the event, the leaders will discuss the UK’s defense spending strategy, which includes a pledge to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
In addition to the official talks, a cultural reception Wednesday evening showcased talent from both nations, underscoring the deep cultural and economic connections between the UK and Ireland.
Following the summit, Starmer is set to visit a defense company, meeting employees and apprentices working in the national security sector, further underlining the summit's focus on security and economic development.
Both leaders expressed their commitment to working with like-minded partners to address global challenges, with Starmer emphasizing that "now more than ever, we must work with our allies in the pursuit of global peace, prosperity and security."