UK Prime Minister to Meet Dutch Prime Minister Jetten on 7th July 2026

This evening, the Prime Minister welcomed Rob Jetten, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, at the British Residence in Ankara for a significant meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Strengthening Maritime Partnerships

The discussions commenced with a focus on the newly established maritime partnership between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Both leaders expressed their belief that this initiative would not only bolster NATO’s capabilities but also provide substantial support to the UK’s shipbuilding industry. The Prime Minister remarked on the partnership as a clear manifestation of the enduring and close relationship that exists between the two nations.

Addressing Global Challenges Together

Shifting the conversation to shared global challenges, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to express gratitude to Prime Minister Jetten for the Netherlands’ robust support of the multinational mission aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing critical security issues.

Innovative Defence Funding Solutions

The dialogue then progressed to the pressing topic of defence spending, where both leaders emphasised the necessity of exploring innovative solutions to finance significant defence projects. They concurred that the Multilateral Defence Mechanism (MDM), which both countries participate in, represents a crucial opportunity for nations to collaborate on the collective procurement of military equipment.

By aggregating demand and standardising defence procurement processes, the MDM is expected to effectively reduce costs associated with equipment purchases, thereby allowing funding to be allocated more efficiently. The Prime Minister highlighted these benefits, reiterating the importance of strategic fiscal management in defence operations.

Looking Ahead to Further Discussions

As the meeting drew to a close, both leaders expressed their anticipation for further discussions during the leaders’ dinner later this evening. The ongoing dialogue between the UK and the Netherlands continues to reinforce their commitment to shared values and collaborative efforts in addressing regional and global security challenges.