At 10 Downing Street, I met Prime Minister Keir Starmer to deepen the bilateral relationship between Belgium and the United Kingdom. The UK is a close North Sea neighbour and one of our key economic partners. Our discussions focused on shared priorities such as facilitating trade across the Channel, energy cooperation and the fight against organized crime and irregular migration. We also addressed broader EU–UK cooperation in light of the renewed agenda between Brussels and London.

Today’s visit also built on the Joint Statement on bilateral cooperation between the United Kingdom and Belgium, which outlines ambitious cooperation on security, economic ties, research, innovation and energy.

International issues, from transatlantic relations to the wider security environment, naturally played a role as well. We reiterated our joint commitment in supporting Ukraine, which is a priority for both our governments in the defence of European security and our shared values.

Combatting transnational organised crime remains a top priority for this government. In that context, I also held a meeting with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). With Belgium’s recent re-election to the IMO Council, we reaffirmed our determination to strengthen international security rules for ships and ports. Modernising the ISPS Code is essential: organised crime does not stop at borders, and neither can our response. Belgium is actively driving this agenda forward together with European partners and the United States, to better detect, disrupt and prevent criminal networks that exploit our logistics hubs and maritime routes.

Strengthening our ties with close partners remains essential in an increasingly complex world.