DUBLIN – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with his Irish counterpart on 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 historic visit to meet Irish premier Simon Harris marks the first by a British leader to Ireland in five years, signaling a commitment to deepen economic and security ties.

“Today is really significant because we have made clear our ambition to reset the relationship and today we take that forward,” Starmer said after the afternoon meeting with Harris at Farmleigh House in Dublin.

The two leaders also took part in a business roundtable to explore how a “reset” in relations can benefit trade, highlighting the economic relationship worth around 120 billion euros ($130 billion) that supports thousands of jobs on both sides of the Irish Sea.

The day concluded with a friendly soccer match between Ireland and England in Dublin, where Starmer and Harris traded jerseys, showcasing their renewed spirit of collaboration.

“We will have intense and friendly competition, and then we will renew and reset again later in the evening,” said Harris, reflecting the positive tone of the day’s events.