LONDON (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday promised Britain a “phenomenal” post-Brexit trade deal, dismissed differences over Chinas Huawei and glossed over other disagreements as he heaped praise on the United States closest ally.
Feted by Queen Elizabeth on the first day of his state visit to Britain, Trump was effusive about the “special relationship” between the two nations, dispelling concerns he might repeat criticism of Britain and outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May.
“Its the greatest alliance the world has ever known,” Trump told reporters at a news conference beside May at Britains Foreign Office.
Prior to his trip, the collapse of Mays premiership over her failure to secure Britains exit from the European Union had raised concerns that Trump could publicly humiliate her.
Instead, Trump called May a “tremendous professional”, steered clear of rhetoric that could embarrass her and let pass contentious topics such as Huawei and Iran while making light of sensitive issues such as her possible succession.
Trump mentioned Boris Johnson, who has said the United Kingdom should leave the EU on Oct. 31, deal or no deal, and Jeremy Hunt, Britains foreign minister who has warned against leaving without a deal.
“I know Boris, I like him, Ive liked him for a long time. I think he would do a very good job,” Trump told reporters at a news conference beside May at Britains Foreign Office.
“I know Jeremy, I think hed do a very good job,” he added.
A WAY OVER HUAWEI
A key area of discord between the allies has been Britains preliminary decision to allow Huawei a restricted role in building parts of its 5G network.
The Trump administration has told allies not to use Huaweis 5G technology and equipment because of fears it could allow China to spy on sensitive communications and data and warned it could impact on intelligence-sharing.
But, after an hour long meeting with May, Trump said any issues could be resolved.
“We have an incredible intelligence relationship and will be able to work out any differences,” Trump said. “We did discuss it, I see absolutely no limitations, we have never had limitations, this is a truly great ally and partner and we will have no problem with that.”
Iran was barely mentioned, while Trump said Britains EU divorce would happen and pave the way for a large future trade deal.
“This is a great, great country and it wants its own identity, it wants to have its own borders, it wants to run its own affairs,” he said.
“As the UK makes preparations to exit the European Union, the United States is committed to a phenomenal trade deal between the US and the UK. There is tremendous potential in that trade deal – I say probably two and even three times of what we are doing right now.”
NO JEREMY CORBYN
On a trip to Britain last year, Trump shocked the British political establishment by hammering May over Brexit and praising rivals, but on Tuesday the had only warm words for the prime minister.
“I think she has done a very good job,” he said. However, he said he had refused to meet opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, a veteran socialist who spoke at a protest against Trump which attracted several thousand demonstrators to central London on Tuesday.
RT
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