U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla wave from the balcony of the White House during an arrival ceremony, in Washington D.C., Tuesday. Reuters-Yonhap
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States has "no closer friends" than the British, as he welcomed King Charles III to the White House on a state visit overshadowed by tensions over the Iran war.
In speech during a pomp-filled welcome featuring a 21-gun salute, Trump's tone was a world away from the recent broadsides aimed at Britain's government for failing to join the conflict with Tehran.
"In the centuries since we won our independence, Americans have had no closer friends than the British," said Trump, referring to the fact that the visit marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. colonies declaring their freedom from British rule.
Using a phrase prized by British governments since Winston Churchill first used it after World War II, Trump said that the two countries had a "special relationship, and we hope it will always remain that way."
The U.S. leader also praised the British military, saying that "nobody fought better together" with the United States -- despite recently deriding Britain's two aircraft carriers as "toys."
After his speech, four U.S. jets roared over the White House in a noisy flypast as Trump, Charles, Queen Camilla and First Lady Melania Trump watched.
On the second day of the four-day state visit, Charles will later address the U.S. Congress and is expected to call in his speech for "reconciliation and renewal" amid the recent strains in ties.
A long-term fan of the British royals, Trump appeared in a jovial mood on a rainy Washington morning as he looked to the sky and quipped: "What a beautiful British day this is."
The 79-year-old president even joked about how his late mother "had a crush on Charles", who is now 77.
Source: Korea Times News
