U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Downing Street on Wednesday, as part of a state visit that will celebrate the close ties between the countries.

"Let me begin by saying how very welcome you are here in Downing Street," said Starmer. "It is really good to have you here, particularly as part of a state visit, the first one in far too long."

Steinmeier emphasized that Germany and the United Kingdom are on the path to rapprochement after the difficult Brexit years and that it was necessary to move closer together.