US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the deepening of the "special relationship" between their countries on Thursday, saying a series of deals worth £250 billion had made those ties "unbreakable", reports „Reuters“, quoted by News.bg.
At the start of a business reception, leading names in US and British business were welcomed by the two leaders and praised for helping to strengthen ties through investment in deals ranging from technology to energy.
It was the second day of Trump's unprecedented second state visit to Britain, which the US leader described as “an extraordinary honour“. The day included pompous ceremonies and a “fantastic“ state banquet at Windsor Castle with King Charles.
Sitting side by side in the courtyard of Starmer's country residence at Chequers, the two leaders celebrated the launch of a record £150 billion ($205 billion) package of US investment in Britain, part of a wider £250 billion package that officials said would benefit both countries.
“This is a great day for our special relationship,“ Starmer said, thanking business leaders including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and GSK's Emma Walmsley.
“Celebrating the history of our relationship, of course, but more than that – a moment to secure investment, jobs and deals that will improve people's lives now and in the future. illuminate the special relationship for years to come.“
Trump was also enthusiastic: “The relationship between our countries is invaluable. We have done some things that are financially great for both countries… I think that is an unbreakable bond that we have, no matter what we do today. I think it is unbreakable.“
Starmer presented Britain as a destination for American investment in the financial services, technology and energy sectors, with the aim of attracting American capital, building infrastructure and economic development.
The British prime minister appeared resigned to not getting further cuts in steel tariffs, but backed broader deals, including a new technology pact with companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia and OpenAI worth 31 billion pounds ($42 billion) and 100 billion pounds from Blackstone.