LONDON: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has invited US President Donald Trump for a second state visit to the UK. Starmer called the invitation “unprecedented.” Trump accepted the offer, conveyed through a letter from King Charles, and confirmed he would visit soon.
Greeting Starmer at the White House, Trump expressed his excitement. “It’s a great honor to have Keir Starmer visit,” he said. He praised the UK, calling it a “wonderful country” he knows well. Trump added that his visit would be announced shortly.
Meeting’s High Importance
The meeting between Starmer and Trump is of major diplomatic significance. Starmer and his team spent weeks preparing for the talks. European security remains the primary focus of discussions amid rising global tensions.
Starmer emphasized the need for the US to provide a security “backstop” in any Ukraine peace deal. He warned that without US support, Russia might attack again. However, Trump has taken a different stance on the conflict.
Trump’s Russia Views
Trump has suggested that Ukraine bears some responsibility for the 2022 invasion. He has also referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator.” His position has raised concerns among European allies.
Despite this, Starmer remains hopeful of strengthening the UK-US alliance. He aims to ensure continued support for Ukraine while maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Washington.
Chagos Islands Deal
Another key issue in the meeting was the Chagos Islands dispute. Starmer’s Labour government plans to hand control of the archipelago to Mauritius. The move has faced criticism from Conservative and Reform UK politicians.
Trump responded positively to the proposal. “We’re going to discuss that very soon, and I think it will work out well,” he said. He indicated a willingness to support the UK’s decision.
Future Diplomatic Moves
With Trump’s upcoming visit to the UK, diplomatic discussions between the two nations will continue. Starmer hopes the visit will strengthen relations and reaffirm their partnership. The next steps in US-UK cooperation will unfold in the coming months.
