British PM May: Praise for Trump -- but strong words, too
British Prime Minister Theresa May told US Republicans Thursday that the United States and the UK must stand "strong" together but said that the days of protracted military interventions in foreign countries were over.
May heaped praise upon Republicans for their election victories in November, saying it was an "honor" to address them as "dawn breaks on a new era of American renewal."
But she went on to deliver some tough messages to the new administration of US President Donald Trump, calling on the US not to abandon the Iran nuclear deal, to defend Russia's neighboring states and to support international institutions such as NATO.
May will become the first foreign leader to meet President Trump at the White House on Friday. She and Trump will hold a joint news conference at 1 p.m. ET (6 p.m. in London), a spokesman for Trump tweeted Thursday night.
Her speech on Thursday, to GOP leaders gathered in Philadelphia for their annual retreat, was clearly aimed at shaping the new President's world view.
"This cannot mean a return to the failed policies of the past. The days of Britain and America intervening in sovereign countries in an attempt to remake the world in our own image are over. But nor can we afford to stand idly by when the threat is real and when it is in our own interests to intervene," she said.
Two nations shaped the world
May said the leadership provided by the United States and United Kingdom not only helped win wars and overcome trouble, "it made the modern world."
She added that the two nations have a responsibility to lead.
"Because when others step up as we step back, it is bad for America, for Britain and the world," she said.
Obama's advice to Theresa May: Befriend Donald Trump
May congratulated the Republicans on their election wins.
"Because of this, because of what you have done together, because of that great victory you have won, America can be stronger, greater, and more confident in the years ahead," she said to applause. "And a newly emboldened, confident America is good for the world."
She praised the stunning win of Trump, saying it came in defiance of "pundits and polls" and echoed the hopes of working Americans.
May reminded the audience that like them she, too, is a conservative and someone who believes in putting power in the "hands of the people."
Calls for reform
She spoke strongly about NATO, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
"Some of these organizations are in need of reform and renewal to make them relevant to our needs today," she said.
Friendliness with Trump will give Theresa May problems in Europe
But later she said that to deal with modern threats of ISIS and other bad actors, the US and UK need to "turn toward those multinational institutions like the U.N. and NATO that encourage international cooperation and partnership."
Quentin Peel -- a fellow with the Europe Programme at Chatham House, an independent policy institute based in London -- called May's remarks a forceful speech.
"I was expecting her to be a little more diplomatic. She was very clear on certain things on which Donald Trump doesn't look so clear," he told CNN. He was referring to the international organizations like NATO and the UN, which May also mentioned as being vital but in need of reform.
May also advised caution when dealing with Russia.
"With President (Vladimir) Putin, my advice is to engage, but beware," she said. "We should engage with Russia from a position of strength and build the relationship, systems, and processes that make cooperation more likely than conflict."
With respect to Iran, May said Tehran was trying to build its influence through the Middle East to Europe. She called the nuclear agreement with Iran a vital deal for regional security. Any violations by Iran should be handled without hesitation and firmly, she added.
Trade deal?
May said she was delighted that the Trump administration has made a trade agreement between the United States and the UK a priority.
"It will take detailed work, but we welcome your openness to these discussions and hope we can make progress so that the new global Britain that emerges after Brexit is even better equipped to take its place confidently in the world," she said, referring to Britain's exit from the European Union.
Theresa May to tell Republicans US, UK can lead the world
According to May, the UK is the fifth-leading importer of US goods and the US is the largest market for UK overseas investments.
She said she is hopeful a trade agreement could be reached in the upcoming months.
While Trump has expressed his openness to a new trade deal with the UK, he has indicated a desire to prioritize American jobs with his "America First" agenda.
News Courtesy: www.cnn.com
