Donald Trump: The relationship between the US and the UK is eternal

It is a great privilege for me to be the first American president to be invited on two state visits, Donald Trump said during a lavish state banquet given in his honor by Britain's King Charles III at Windsor Castle. In his speech, Trump also touched on issues such as trade, Ukraine and the environment.

The state banquet was attended by 160 people, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as a long list of directors of American technology companies.

Donald Trump thanked King Charles and Queen Camilla for the "extraordinary courtesy" and the "extraordinary privilege" of being the first American president to make two state visits to the country. Regarding the so-called "special relationship", although the word special in America does not have the same meaning, the president added: "We are like two notes on the same chord or two stanzas of the same poem. The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. It is irreplaceable and indestructible".

In his speech, King Charles III also emphasized the ties between the two countries, which are the basis of the special relationship, common culture, common language, shared business and defense interests.

The visit of the American president is taking place under increased security measures. A protest against the visit by the "Stop Trump" coalition was held in London. There were also protests in Windsor.

Today is the more business-like part of Donald Trump's visit, who, together with his wife Melania, will be a guest of Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Chequers residence. The UK is expected to attract an impressive £150 billion in US investment.