Trump Delivers Speech at Gaza Peace Agreement Ceremony
Mentions, "There are leaders I don't particularly like"
During a summit convened to sign a peace agreement for the Gaza Strip, remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump-playful comments directed at world leaders and key figures during his speech-have drawn attention. On October 15, Yonhap News, citing the U.S. political outlet Politico, reported that President Trump, at the summit held the previous day in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, made several offhand remarks to the leaders of more than 20 countries during and around his speech, which could have been considered discourteous but were delivered as jokes.
The summit was attended by President Trump as well as leaders from more than 20 countries across Europe and the Middle East. Photo by AP Yonhap News
The summit was attended by President Trump as well as leaders from more than 20 countries across Europe and the Middle East. While President Trump delivered his 30-minute speech, the leaders from Europe and the Middle East stood behind him. Commenting on this, President Trump joked, "I don't know why they're standing, but I promise to keep my speech short." He then turned toward Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his speech and remarked, "She is a beautiful young woman." He added, "In America, if you use the word 'beautiful' about a woman, your political career is over, but I'll give it a try," and asked Prime Minister Meloni, "Is it okay if I call you beautiful? Because you are beautiful."
After thanking French President Emmanuel Macron for supporting the peace agreement, Trump looked around for him but could not find him, saying, "Emmanuel must be standing somewhere behind me, where is he? Unbelievable. He's keeping a low profile today." Nevertheless, Trump referred to President Macron as he often does, saying, "He is my friend."
President Trump also described Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, as "very rich-endlessly so." When President Trump called out from the podium, "Where is the United Kingdom?" British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was seen quickly making his way forward. Prime Minister Starmer is known for his deferential diplomatic approach toward President Trump. Although Starmer appeared to expect that President Trump would give him a chance to speak, Trump continued his speech. As a result, Starmer found himself awkwardly stepping back from the podium, according to Politico.
Furthermore, President Trump addressed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as "President." When Carney responded, "I'm glad you promoted me," Trump replied, "Did I? At least I didn't call you 'Governor.'" Previously, at the start of his presidency, Trump had referred to Canada as "the 51st state of the United States" and to Carney's predecessor, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as "Governor." Finally, President Trump remarked in front of the assembled leaders, "There are a few (leaders) I particularly don't like. I won't say who they are."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
