U.K., Ireland seek to 'reset' strained ties

Leaders aim to boost trade and economic relationships, hope to host joint summit next March

- PETER MORRISON AND PAN PYLAS

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, left, and his British counterpart Keir Starmer swapped jerseys before attending a soccer game between the two nations in Dublin on Saturday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with his Irish counterpart, Saturday in what was billed as an attempt to reset relations between the two countries after years of tensions following the U.K.’s departure from the European Union.

Starmer’s visit to meet Irish premier Simon Harris is the first by a British leader to Ireland in five years. It is a further sign that the two wish to deepen relations on economic and security matters. Harris was the first international leader Starmer hosted following his Labour party’s landslide election victory on July 4.