Trump Hails Ties With UK Despite Brexit Criticism

Umer Jamshaid Published July 14, 2018 | 09:24 AM

US President Donald Trump on Friday played down his extraordinary attack on Britain's plans for Brexit, praising Prime Minister Theresa May and insisting bilateral relations "have never been stronger", even as tens of thousands protested in London against his visit.

Aylesbury, United Kingdom, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jul, 2018 ) :US President Donald Trump on Friday played down his extraordinary attack on Britain's plans for Brexit, praising Prime Minister Theresa May and insisting bilateral relations "have never been stronger", even as tens of thousands protested in London against his visit.

Trump's first official trip to Britain was overshadowed by his warning that May's plans for close ties with the European Union would "kill" a future US trade deal, echoing concerns among eurosceptics in her Conservative party.

Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, a US grand jury on Friday indicted 12 Russian intelligence officers for interfering in the November 2016 presidential election, following charges from Special Counsel Robert Mueller.

The indictments came just three days before Trump is scheduled to meet with Russia's Vladimir Putin in Helsinki.

As Trump arrived in Scotland later Friday, however, the White House confirmed that the Helsinki meeting would go ahead.

"It's on," White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said.

Trump later travelled to one of his Scottish golf courses, Turnberry.

Following talks at May's country retreat of Chequers, Trump suggested he might have been hasty in his comments over her negotiating strategy for leaving the EU.

"Whatever you do is okay with us, just make sure we can trade together, that's all that matters," he told May at a press conference in the grounds of the 16th-century manor house, miles away from the colourful crowds denouncing his own domestic policies.

"The United States looks forward to finalising a great bilateral trade deal," he said, and repeatedly praised May's leadership, saying she was a "terrific woman".