By Dw deutsche Welle
Copyright tempo
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – US President Donald Trump arrived in the United Kingdom late Tuesday at the invitation of King Charles III and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.Starmer’s office said the visit will show that “the UK-US relationship is the strongest in the world, built on 250 years of history.”Senior US officials said on Monday that deals covering energy and technology worth more than $10 billion (€8.5 billion) would be announced.The two countries are expected to sign an agreement to work together on boosting nuclear power.What else is on the agenda for Trump’s second UK visit?On Wednesday, the US president and his wife, Melania, will be treated to British royal pageantry at Windsor Castle.King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine will accompany them on a carriage procession through the estate. A state banquet, a flypast by military aircraft, and a gun salute are also planned.On Thursday, Starmer will host Trump at his Chequers country residence in the southern English countryside. The two leaders are expected to discuss tariffs on British steel imports to the US.In May, London and Washington reached a trade agreement that lowered tariffs on car and aerospace imports to the US, but they were unable to finalize terms for British steel, which remains subject to a 25% tariff. “I’m there also on trade. They want to see if they can refine the trade deal a little bit,” Trump told reporters before taking off on Air Force One. “We’ve made a deal, and it’s a great deal, and I’m into helping them,” he added. Starmer might also use the state visit to persuade Trump to impose additional sanctions on Russia.Trump will also be joined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will hold talks with Britain’s newly-appointed Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper.Anti-Trump protests plannedWith Trump’s schedule due to avoid London, it means he will be largely shielded from crowds and protesters.Demonstrations are planned in Windsor and central London over Trump’s visit.A spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition said: “Starmer rolling out the red carpet for Trump sends a deeply dangerous message and does nothing to provide support to communities seeing a surge in racism in the UK.”Trump’s visit to the UK arrives at an awkward moment.Last week, Peter Mandelson, the UK ambassador to the US, was fired over emails showing his close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump’s own friendship with Epstein has also been the subject of much speculation.Ahead of Trump’s arrival, demonstrators revealed a large banner with a photo of the US president with Epstein, with images of the two later being projected onto the Windsor Castle’s tower. Four people were arrested following what local police called the “unauthorized projection” of the images, also calling it a “public stunt.”First US president invited for second state visit During Starmer’s visit to the White House in February, the British PM hand-delivered a personal letter from the king, which Trump proudly displayed for TV cameras.It was the first time a US president has received the honor of a second state visit.A spokesperson for Starmer described the state visit as “a historic opportunity” that comes “at a crucial time for global stability and security.”In remarks to reporters before taking off for the UK, Trump lauded his “very good” relationship with the UK, and his “friend” King Charles.”It’s the first time this has ever happened where somebody was honored twice. So, it’s a great honor,” Trump said referring to the unprecedented nature of the visit. Trump made his first state visit to the UK in 2019, during his first term, where he was greeted by the late Queen Elizabeth II.Editor’s Choice: Three Killed in U.S. Strike on Suspected Drug Boat from VenezuelaClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
