German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly thanked outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for their close collaboration over the past 14 months during a press conference following a Paris meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. Merz expressed regret at Starmer’s departure, noting their work together had been marked by great friendship, and indicated he hoped to remain in touch, potentially seeking Starmer’s counsel by phone from time to time. The gathering, where French President Emmanuel Macron also praised Starmer’s leadership, included discussions on support for Ukraine. Starmer used the occasion to announce Britain’s participation in a €90 billion EU loan for Kyiv and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine under his successor. The exchange underscores the diplomatic ties built during Starmer’s tenure and the coalition’s focus on pressuring Russia.