Washington, Aug. 6 (SANA)U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his British counterpart Ed Miliband discussed a range of regional and international issues during talks in Washington, stressing the importance ofEuropeassuming a greater role in ensuring its own security, while reaffirming their countries’ commitment to safeguarding navigation in theStrait of Hormuzand preventing Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon.

According to aU.S. State Departmentstatement carried by Reuters, the meeting focused on the war in Ukraine, security cooperation between the United States and Europe, and the importance of strengthening Europe’s role in assuming greater responsibility for its own security.

TheBritish foreign secretaryreaffirmed his country’s continued support forUkraine. In a statement issued ahead of the meeting, he stressed the importance of reopening maritime routes in theGulfand said discussions would also address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in theGaza Strip.

The State Department said both sides renewed their commitment to ensuring the freedom and safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to working to prevent Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The meeting was the second between the two officials following a brief encounter on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in Manila last July. It forms part of ongoing consultations between Washington and London on regional and international issues.