US President Donald Trump is set to make his second state visit to the UK in September, marking a significant development in US-UK relations and reflecting the monarch’s long-standing friendship with President Trump and his family.
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he is expecting to travel to the UK in September for his second state visit. The invitation, which was extended by King Charles III during a phone call with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marks the first time a US president will have received two state visits.
The decision to extend an official invitation for a second state visit comes as the UK government seeks to bolster transatlantic ties in the wake of President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on trading partners. The previous visit, which took place in 2019, was marked by ‘controversy and protests’.
In June 2019, US President Donald Trump made his first official state visit to the United Kingdom.
The visit was met with protests and demonstrations across London, with many critics expressing concern over Trump's policies and rhetoric.
Despite this, Trump was received by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for a ceremonial welcome.
The visit included a joint press conference with Prime Minister Theresa May and meetings with business leaders.
The UK government had previously announced that the state visit would be postponed until after Brexit, but it ultimately went ahead as planned.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Windsor Castle is expected to be the venue for the second state visit. Prime Minister Starmer and the US president are believed to have discussed the details of the visit during a phone call. Trump appeared to suggest that Buckingham Palace was ‘setting a date’ for September, although it is unclear whether this was an official confirmation from the palace.
The decision to extend an invitation for a second state visit marks a significant development in US-UK relations. Prime Minister Starmer has prioritised striking a trade deal with Washington, opting not to retaliate over President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on goods exported to the US and 25% tariffs on UK car and steel exports.
The United States and the United Kingdom have a long-standing special relationship, dating back to World War II.
The two nations share a common language, cultural heritage, and historical ties.
They cooperate closely on defense, intelligence, and trade issues.
According to a 2020 survey, 64% of Americans view the UK favorably, while 22% of Britons hold a positive view of the US.
The two countries are also members of various international organizations, including NATO and the G7.
In 2021, the UK and the US signed a new trade agreement, solidifying their economic partnership.
The talks between the two countries have been ongoing for several months, with both sides seeking to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. The US vice-president, JD Vance, recently stated that he believed a trade deal was within reach, although no further details have been disclosed.
The UK and US have a long history of trade relations, with bilateral trade dating back to the 18th century.
The two countries signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in October 2020, which went into effect on January 1, 2021.
Key aspects of the deal include reduced tariffs on industrial goods, agricultural products, and services.
The FTA also establishes a framework for cooperation on issues like intellectual property protection, regulatory practices, and dispute settlement.
According to a report by the UK's Department for International Trade, the trade deal is expected to boost bilateral trade by 15% in the first year.
The invitation from King Charles III is seen as a personal touch, reflecting the monarch’s long-standing friendship with President Trump and his family. The visit will also provide an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss a range of issues, including digital taxes and agriculture.
The second state visit marks a significant development in US-UK relations, with both countries seeking to strengthen their ties in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit is expected to be a major event, with officials from both sides working behind the scenes to ensure its success.
- theguardian.com | Donald Trump ‘expecting to make second state visit to UK in September’
