London, 21 July 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed in a phone call on Monday to continue close cooperation between their countries and advance the implementation of the Kensington Treaty, the German government said.

The treaty, a bilateral friendship agreement, was signed in London on July 17, 2025, by Merz and Burnham's predecessor, Keir Starmer.

On Russia's war against Ukraine, the two leaders agreed to continue providing comprehensive support to Kiev and increase pressure on Russia, the German government said. It added that they remained committed to serious negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.

Earlier on Monday, Burnham held calls with US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Merz had congratulated Burnham earlier in the day and invited him to visit Berlin soon.

MIA file photo