At the first meeting of a new political club of nations, Prime Minister Liz Truss referred to Emmanuel Macron as a “friend” as they announced their intentions to partner.
Throughout her leadership campaign, Ms. Truss had refrained from stating whether the French President was a “friend or foe.”
The French President said he hoped for a “new phase” in post-Brexit relations.
The pair agreed to step up cooperation on “ending” small boat crossings in the Channel and announced a summit in 2023.
Leaders from the EU, the UK, Turkey, Norway, and the Balkans met at the first European Political Community in Prague on Thursday.
They discussed energy, migration, and security, with a particular focus on the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke via video link.
The summit billed as a European Political Community beyond the EU has been championed by Mr Macron, who told reporters on Thursday it sent a “message of unity”.
The prime minister and Mr Macron released a joint statement promising an “ambitious” package of measures aimed at “ending” small boat crossings on the Channel.
Mr Macron said: “We have values and history so I’m happy that we meet again.
“This is an island, but this island didn’t move from the rest of the continent so we do have so many things in common.”
The UK and France have clashed over several issues in recent years, including migrant boat crossings in the Channel, a military pact between Britain, the US, and Australia, and Brexit measures involving Northern Ireland.
Standing up to Russia
Ukraine’s president told the summit: “You and I are now in a strong position to direct all the possible might of Europe to end the war and guarantee long-term peace for Ukraine, for Europe, for the world.”
Following the meetings, Ms Truss said: “Leaders leave this summit with a greater collective resolve to stand up to Russian aggression.
“What we have seen in Prague is a forceful show of solidarity with Ukraine, and for the principles of freedom and democracy.”
As well as the UK, non-EU members Switzerland, Turkey, Norway, Iceland, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and western Balkan countries took part in the first gathering of the EPC.
Britain is now expected to host the fourth EPC meeting in 2024, with Moldova and Spain to hold the second and third respectively.
What is the European Political Community?
Critics see it as a vague regurgitation of old ideas. Its exact role is still evolving.
When he proposed the plan this year, Mr Macron said it would “offer a platform for political co-ordination” for countries, both those in the EU and those not.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine gave new impetus for cooperation among nations beyond the EU’s 27 member states.
But the EPC has no institutions or dedicated staff. That has led to questions about how any decisions would be implemented.
If it proves to be a success, it may continue to take place up to twice a year. If it’s a failure, it could fizzle out.
Centre for European Reform Director, Charles Grant said one of the measures of success will be “does it persuade Serbia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey to lean a bit more to the West and less towards Russia”.