Germany and the UK seek a new bilateral treaty as Starmer pursues a 'reset' with the European Union

BERLIN (AP) — The leaders of Germany and the United Kingdom announced plans on Wednesday to draw up a treaty meant to deepen the two nations' trade, defense and other ties.

The move comes as new U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer moves ahead with plans for a “reset” of relations with the European Union.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that he welcomes fellow center-left leader Starmer's desire for a new beginning in relations with the EU, and “we want to take this outstretched hand.”

Starmer took office in early July after the previous Conservative government was trounced in an election. Four years after the U.K. left the EU, he says he wants to rebuild ties strained by years of ill-tempered wrangling over Brexit terms.