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Liz Truss and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen put Brexit talks to one side today as they urgently discussed Vladimir Putin’s escalating rhetoric of war.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
It is the first time Ms Truss and Ms von der Leyen have met since the UK politician took over from Boris Johnson as Prime Minister.
Frictions over the Northern Ireland Protocol, which have dominated the relationship between the UK and EU post-Brexit, were planned to be high on the agenda.
However, a read-out on the meeting made only a fleeting reference to the row as both leaders work together on tackling Russian aggression.
In an unusual joint statement, issued to sign of solidarity, Ms Truss and Ms von der Leyen said Putin’s invasion of Ukraine was failing.
The statement said: “President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss, met at the UN General Assembly in New York today.
“They strongly condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine and agreed that Putin’s recent calls to mobilise parts of the population were a sign that Russia’s invasion is failing. It is a statement of weakness.
“They recognised the courage and bravery of the Ukrainian people and underscored their joint commitment to sustaining support for Ukraine in its struggle as long as it takes
“They also discussed UK EU relations including energy, food security and the Northern Ireland Protocol.”
The show of unity came after an awkward exchange at the start of the meeting.
“It’s very nice to see you,” the Prime Minister said,
The European Commission president only gave a slight nod and smiled in response.
The pair sat smiling for the cameras before the media was asked to leave the room for discussions to take place behind closed doors.
Speaking after the meeting, Ms von der Leyen said she had a “good discussion” with Ms Truss on relations between the UK and the EU.
More to follow…
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