GovWire

Thank you.

And can I first express my sincere condolences for the shocking attack in Solingen last week.

Our country knows what its like to suffer such senseless and despicable acts

And our thoughts are with all the families affected by this terrible event.

And Olaf - thank you.

Its fantastic to be with you here in Berlin.

Not, alas

Myfirstvisit here as Prime Minister.

Football, it turns out

Decided to visit its second home in Spain, this time.

But anyway it was still an incredible experience

And a showcase for the fantastic hospitality of this great nation.

So thank you for hosting yet another episode in English footballing trauma! Ive been through a lot.

Anyway - Im delighted to be back at this moment of opportunity for our two countries.

Olaf - on every occasion weve met, weve talked about our ambitions for the future

Our values of security, prosperity, respect

And our shared determination to harness the power of government

For the service of working people.

That is what we are doing today.

A new UK-Germany Treaty

A once in a generation chance to deliver for working people

In Britain and in Germany.

A new agreement

A testament to the depth and potential of our relationship.

With deeper links on science, technology, development, people, businesses, culture.

A boost to our trading relations

Germany of course, already the UKs second largest trading partner in the world.

And through that - a chance to create jobs here and in the UK

And deliver that most precious of goods, for both our countries

Economic growth.

Let me be clear - growth is the number one mission of my Government.

And what we understand, clearly

Is that building relationships with our partners here in Germany and across Europe

Is vital to achieving it.

That is what our agreement today represents the chance that we have.

Well also deepen cooperation on shared social challenges

For example, on illegal migration.

Because we cannot smash the smuggling gangs who perpetrate this vile trade

Without the help of our partners.

And Im really glad that we had substantive discussions today about how we tackle the smuggling gangs and agreed to develop a joint action plan to tackle illegal migration.

So we will renew our commitment to the Calais Group

Enhance our intelligence sharing on organised immigration crime.

But also - increase collaboration on tackling climate change.

An important goal for the planet, of course

For greater energy security

But also - for tackling the drivers of challenges like illegal migrationat source.

And finally at the heart of this Treaty

Will be a new Defence Agreement.

An agreement that builds upon our already formidable defence co-operation

But which expands that relationship to face the threats of a volatile world, together.

That of course means a shared resolve to stand up for the security of our people and the wider European continent.

And that begins with our unyielding support for Ukraine we discussed that in some detail today.

Because, as Europes largest contributors to Ukraines war efforts

And as the nations with the highest defence expenditure among European countries in NATO

We know only too well the debt we owe to the Ukrainian people

Who fight not just to defend themselves

But for all the people of Europe.

So today - we reaffirmed our commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

We also share a common commitment to resolve the crisis in the Middle East, and agree on:

Israels right to self-defence, in compliance with International Humanitarian Law

the need for de-escalation across the region; and for restraint and caution to be exercised

Unfettered humanitarian access into Gaza

agreement to a ceasefire and release of all hostages

and the importance of working together towards a political solution

based on the creation of a Palestinian State alongside a safe and secure Israel.

The only way to provide long-term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

That of course is not an easy goal.

But it is one that we are committed to pursuing, together.

Because as today shows

Britain can advance its interests much more effectively

When we stand with our friends and partners.

This Treaty is part of a wider reset grounded in a new spirit of co-operation with our shared understanding that this will be developed at pace and that we hope to have agreed it by the end of the year.

A Britain reconnected

Resetting our relationships

Rediscovering our common interest

Delivering for working people.

Britain and Germany already have an incredible relationship.

We invest billions in each others countries.

Thousands and thousands of jobs are supported through trade.

And every year, millions of people travel between our two countries

Exchanging ideas

Collaborating, creating and connecting.

But today - we build on that

A bright new future for UK-German relations

Two great countries - brought closer together than ever before.

The strongest strategic partners in Europeandon the world stage.

Thank you so much for hosting us here today.