Sir Keir Starmer has turn into the primary British prime minister to visit the Republic of Ireland in 5 years.

Downing Street stated Saturday’s visit marks a “new era of co-operation and friendship” between Britain and Ireland.

The prime minister has met Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Simon Harris, who was elected in April simply three months earlier than his British counterpart – each are new to their roles.

Their full day of engagements within the Irish capital is being topped off with the Republic of Ireland v England soccer sport on the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Mr Harris wished Sir Keir “100 thousand welcomes” as the 2 leaders shook arms.

The taoiseach, who described Sir Keir as his good friend, stated: “It’s a very nice honour to host you right here at this time in your first official visit to Ireland as prime minister.”

He added: “We each stated we want to actually place British-Irish relations on a new path and I actually recognize the time that you’ve got given to us since taking workplace, and I’ve tried to reply in sort.”

Mr Harris stated a reset in relations needed to be embedded in “peace and prosperity, mutual respect and friendship”.

He stated their “most solemn responsibility” as leaders of the UK and Irish governments was as co-guarantors of the peace course of in Northern Ireland.

Sir Keir stated it was the “second for reset” of relations between the UK and Ireland.

“That reset, I feel, could be significant, it may be deep,” the prime minister stated.

“Of course, it covers the connection between our two nations. Obviously it has to cowl the Good Friday Agreement and I take very severely our joint function in relation to that.”

Sir Keir stated urgent worldwide points together with Ukraine and the battle in Middle East had been additionally on the agenda for the assembly.

“In the face of Russian aggression, we’ve to face collectively, to co-ordinate, stand with our allies and provides Ukraine all of the assist that it wants for so long as it wants,” he stated.

“In relation to the Middle East, we’d like a ceasefire in order that the remaining hostages can come out, in order that desperately-needed assist can get in to Gaza, and that we will step down the trail in the direction of a two-state settlement, which for my part is the one lasting settlement that may result in lasting peace.”

The solar got here out above Phoenix Park because the Prime Minister arrived right here at Farmleigh House simply earlier than 1pm.

Sir Keir Starmer and the Taoiseach Simon Harris had a short chat on the steps – their phrases drown out by the sound of an overhead helicopter, a lot to the frustration of curious members of the media ready close by.

Then, a fast pose and handshake for the cameras earlier than the 2 leaders went inside to renew their efforts to rebuild broken diplomatic relations.

Inside Farmleigh House, Sir Keir signed the guests’ e-book.

They moved into the walled backyard on the property, the place they walked collectively in dialog.

A younger boy who acquired medical therapy within the UK introduced the 2 leaders with Irish and English soccer scarves to swap earlier than the conflict on the Aviva later.

They additionally swapped soccer jerseys.

Sir Keir held up an Irish shirt together with his surname on the again and laughed when requested if he would put on it to the match later.

He stated: “It will make an look in my nine-a-side. This can be proudly worn in north London earlier than too lengthy.”

Looking at his England shirt with “Harris” on the again, the Taoiseach joked: “I by no means thought I’d see my title on something.”

Meanwhile, Sir Keir stated “completely not” to a shout of “can we’ve Declan Rice again?”

He stated: “No, completely not. He is improbable.”

Sir Keir and Mr Harris met in Chequers in mid-July after Labour’s common election victory.

They mentioned divisions over the UK Legacy Act, and so they had been photographed having a pint of Guinness.

The taoiseach was the primary worldwide chief hosted by Sir Keir after coming to energy, a truth stated to exhibit the prime minister’s private dedication to a powerful UK-Ireland relationship.

Saturday’s visit comes after the prime minister’s visit to Berlin and Paris final week to proceed the UK’s reset with its key European companions.

The prime minister and the taoiseach may even meet Irish enterprise leaders to encourage enhanced bilateral commerce and funding in pursuit of progress.

The final British prime ministerial visit to the Republic of Ireland was by Boris Johnson, in September 2019.

In current occasions, beneath the Conservative authorities, relations between the UK and Ireland had been stated to be at their lowest ebb in many years as a result of of variations over Brexit.

Ireland additionally launched a world authorized case in opposition to Britain over the Legacy Act which Sir Keir has now promised to repeal.

This visit, with its sporting conclusion, takes political soccer to a new degree.

And because the cliché goes it truly is a sport of two halves.

Under Leo Varadkar and Boris Johnson relations between the 2 nations reminded some of that well-known commentary line “they suppose it’s throughout – it’s now”.

Then, Sir Keir Starmer walks onto the pitch and it appears to be a complete new ball sport.

On each the principle points the 2 nations have clashed over in current occasions the Labour administration coming to energy might herald a new starting.

Certainly the temper music is significantly better.

In 1995, the England soccer staff performed in Dublin, nevertheless the “pleasant” needed to be deserted after visiting followers rioted.

A a lot totally different result’s anticipated 29 years on, whichever facet wins the soccer.