The leaders of more than 40 European countries have met in Prague, at a historic first meeting of a new political forum of nations.
UK Prime Minister Liz Truss described France’s Emmanuel Macron as a “friend” at the summit, having previously declined to say whether he was a “friend or foe”.
Mr Macron spoke of building a “common strategy” on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Leaders from the EU, Turkey, Norway and the Balkans attended the meeting.
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky spoke via video link, while Germany’s chancellor said the gathering was a great innovation.
The summit, billed as a European Political Community beyond the EU, has been championed by Mr Macron, who told reporters on Thursday it sent a “message of unity”.
But there has been scepticism, even within the EU, about the new forum with fears it could become a talking shop.
Ahead of the meeting, Ms Truss made clear it was “not an EU construct or an EU alternative”.
She later told broadcasters the meeting was “not about moving closer to Europe” but “about working with Europe on issues that we both face”.
Nevertheless, her decision to take part could mark a new phase in the UK’s post-Brexit relations with Europe.
And the summit seems to have proved fruitful in terms of facilitating bilateral meetings for Ms Truss – announcing renewed plans with Mr Macron on “ending” small boat crossings on the Channel.
Leaders discussed energy, migration and security, with a particular focus on the war in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s president told the summit: “You and I are now in a strong position to direct all the possible might of Europe to end the war and guarantee long-term peace for Ukraine, for Europe, for the world.”
Following the meetings, Ms Truss said: “Leaders leave this summit with greater collective resolve to stand up to Russian aggression.
“What we have seen in Prague is a forceful show of solidarity with Ukraine, and for the principles of freedom and democracy.”
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a blog that in the wake of Russia’s invasion, there was a need to “rethink and reform the wider European order, beyond the work of the EU and Nato”, but he added that the summit would be no more than an initial exchange.
As well as the UK, non-EU members Switzerland, Turkey, Norway, Iceland, Georgia, Azerbaijan and western Balkan countries took part in the first gathering of the EPC.
