Manchester: Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheal Martin on Friday described his meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham as an opportunity to "inject further momentum" into the partnership.

According to Anadolu Agency, Martin and Burnham met in Manchester for the first time since Burnham assumed office as prime minister. The Taoiseach emphasized the importance of strong engagement in a world characterized by uncertainty, highlighting the potential benefits of enhanced relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

"We look forward to discussing with you even stronger and closer relationships between the European Union and the United Kingdom, which will be of benefit to the European Union and indeed to Ireland, quite frankly," Martin stated.

Martin also expressed gratitude towards Burnham for his stance on Palestine. The UK government has recently shifted its approach to Israel, implementing measures against illegal Israeli settlements and targeting those facilitating such expansions.

"I think for the United Kingdom under your leadership to take the stance that it's taken, I think, is important for... standing up for humanitarian values and justice and fulfilling the rights of all in the Middle East to security, to peace and to some decent future for their children and generations to come," Martin added.

Burnham reiterated the significance of the UK-Ireland relationship, emphasizing its importance at various levels.