PHILADELPHIA—British Prime Minister Theresa May lands in Philadelphia Thursday and will be the first world leader to have face to face talks with President Donald Trump after she delivers remarks to Republican members of Congress at their annual retreat.
Both Trump and May, according to, British embassy spokeswoman Kate Greer, “have already committed to building on the special bond between the UK and the US – and these talks will be an opportunity to establish the basis for a strong and productive working relationship.”
At a time that many will compare to the past relationship of President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, both leaders are expected to meet in the Oval Office and talk about a post-Brexit trade deal.
Additionally, Prime Minister May and President Trump will discuss “strengthening our defense and security cooperation bilaterally and through NATO, countering the menace of Daesh and creating the conditions for peace in Syria,” stated Greer.
The British Conservative leader will also give Trump an engraved Quaich (pronounced ‘QUAKE’) – an ancient Scottish artifact – and give his wife, Melania, a hamper full of produce from Chequers including Bake well tarts, cranberry and white chocolate shorties, damson jam, and marmalade.
May is expected to include in her remarks:
“The United Kingdom is by instinct and history a great, global nation that recognizes its responsibilities to the world.
“And as we end our membership of the European Union – as the British people voted with determination and quiet resolve to do last year – we have the opportunity to reassert our belief in a confident, sovereign and Global Britain, ready to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike.
“So as we rediscover our confidence together – as you renew your nation just as we renew ours – we have the opportunity – indeed the responsibility – to renew the Special Relationship for this new age. We have the opportunity to lead, together, again.”
She will later say:
“The United Kingdom is by instinct and history a great, global nation that recognizes its responsibilities to the world.
“And as we end our membership of the European Union – as the British people voted with determination and quiet resolve to do last year – we have the opportunity to reassert our belief in a confident, sovereign and Global Britain, ready to build relationships with old friends and new allies alike.
“So as we rediscover our confidence together – as you renew your nation just as we renew ours – we have the opportunity – indeed the responsibility – to renew the Special Relationship for this new age. We have the opportunity to lead, together, again.”