Prime Minister Starmer Meets Trump for the First Time
Vice President Harris Does Not Meet
Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is speaking at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly held in New York, USA, on the 26th (local time). [Photo by AFP Yonhap News]
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the US presidential election, stating that "the relationship between the two countries is stronger than ever" and began efforts to build a friendly relationship. Starmer was unable to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for the US presidential election, due to scheduling conflicts.
On the 26th (local time), major UK media reported that Prime Minister Starmer, along with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, visited Trump Tower in New York and met with former President Trump, where he made these remarks. Starmer met Trump for the first time and had dinner together for about two hours.
A UK government official stated, "Through this meeting, Prime Minister Starmer and former President Trump discussed the ongoing friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries," but did not disclose further details.
Starmer was unable to meet Vice President Harris due to scheduling conflicts. Before the meeting, Starmer said, "I want to meet both candidates. Vice President Harris also still wants to meet, but there were scheduling difficulties," adding, "I'm glad this (Trump) meeting was arranged. It will help build the relationship between us."
When asked whether the UK's international standing, including support for Ukraine, would change if former President Trump succeeded in his re-election, Starmer replied, "The special relationship between the two countries is always a matter above who holds which office," and "this relationship is stronger than ever."
Former President Trump also commented on Starmer before the meeting, saying, "I think he is very good," and "He ran a great election campaign and, although it's early in his term, he is popular."
On the same day, Starmer delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, stating, "The UK will be a responsible global leader," and "We will move from past paternalism to future partnerships, listening more and speaking less."
Regarding Lebanon, which is on the brink of full-scale conflict, he said, "Israel and Hezbollah must stop the violence and step back from the edge," emphasizing "an immediate ceasefire is necessary."
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Lammy, who met former President Trump alongside Prime Minister Starmer, had previously criticized Trump as a "sociopath who sympathizes with neo-Nazis" during his time as an opposition MP. However, after becoming the shadow foreign secretary, he developed friendships with Republican figures including Senator J.D. Vance, Trump's running mate.
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