In a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, U.S. President Donald Trump lauded British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, marking their first face-to-face encounter. Trump hailed Burnham as a “natural businessperson” and expressed confidence in the UK’s performance under his leadership, suggesting that Burnham could become a “great prime minister.”
The discussions between Trump and Burnham encompassed a range of topics, including the economic ties between the UK and the U.S., energy policies, immigration issues, and the status of the Rolls-Royce company. Burnham noted that the dialogue helped establish a positive connection between the two nations, contributing to the development of their bilateral relationship.
However, Trump voiced strong criticism regarding the UK’s recent decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while maintaining a lease for the Diego Garcia military base. He described the agreement as a poor deal, emphasizing the strategic importance of the islands to both countries.
The meeting also touched upon the ongoing conflict involving Iran, with Trump predicting a decrease in prices once the conflict concludes. This conversation is part of broader efforts by the UK and U.S. to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and security.