Brussels [Belgium], April 2 : European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday said that she held a discussion with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning of risks to global economic stability.
In a post on X, von der Leyen said, "Good call yesterday with Keir Starmer. We discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz."
https://x.com/vonderleyen/status/2039591233148928352
Highlighting concerns over Tehran's actions, she said, "Iran's actions are putting global economic stability at risk."
She added that both sides are working with international partners to address the situation. She said, "We will work with our partners to ensure freedom of navigation can resume as soon as possible."
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy checkpoint, has been at the centre of rising geopolitical tensions amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Von der Leyen also noted that the leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties ahead of the EU-UK Summit. She said, "We also discussed the upcoming EU-UK Summit. A key moment to deliver on last year's commitments and further strengthen our partnership."
Earlier on Wednesday (local time), UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that the ongoing Iran conflict will "affect the future" of Britain while insisting that Britain is prepared to endure the economic fallout, saying, "no matter how fierce this storm, we are well-placed to weather it."
The British Prime Minister also reiterated that "this is not" their war" and that the UK will not be drawn into it because "that is not" in their "national interest".
Addressing concerns over rising living costs, Starmer said, "The most effective way we can support the cost of living in Britain is to push for de-escalation in the Middle East, and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is such a vital route for energy."
He stressed ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating, "To that end, we're exploring each and every diplomatic avenue that is available to us."
Starmer announced that Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will convene international partners, saying, "And today I can announce that later this week, the foreign secretary will host a meeting that brings those nations together for the first time, where we will assess all viable diplomatic and political measures that we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers, and resume the movement of vital commodities."
He added that the UK has already coordinated widely, noting, "The foreign secretary and the chancellor have met their counterparts in the G7. The defence secretary has been in the Middle East speaking to our partners, and the UK has now brought together 35 nations around our statement of intent to push as one for maritime security across the Gulf."
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