By AFP Prime Minister Keir
BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will travel to London on July 17 in his first visit there since taking office in May, Berlin said Friday.
Merz will 鈥渂e received by Prime Minister Keir Starmer鈥, government spokesman Steffen Meyer told reporters, adding that they would sign a 鈥渇riendship treaty鈥 covering foreign and security cooperation.
Germany and Britain, both allies of Ukraine, are racing to rearm in the face of a hostile Russia and amid fears that US President Donald Trump is not committed to protecting European NATO partners.
The agreement will also cover measures to boost economic growth and encourage 鈥渟tronger contacts between citizens鈥 of the two countries, Meyer said.
Last October the UK and Germany agreed a 鈥渕ilestone鈥 defence pact and they have since announced several joint initiatives such as developing strike missiles.
Merz鈥檚 trip will follow this week鈥檚 state visit to Britain by French President Emmanuel Macron, the first by an EU head of state since the UK left the bloc.