President Donald Trump expressed strong criticism of the United Kingdom’s recent agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while maintaining a lease for the Diego Garcia military base. During a meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump described the deal as unfavorable, emphasizing the strategic value of the islands.
In their first face-to-face encounter, Trump commended Burnham, referring to him as a “natural businessperson” and suggesting that the UK is thriving under his leadership. Trump also highlighted Burnham’s potential to become a “great prime minister” and acknowledged the positive trajectory of the UK’s performance.
The discussions between the two leaders covered a range of topics, including economic relations, energy issues, immigration, and the status of Rolls-Royce. Burnham noted that their dialogue contributed to building a constructive rapport, as both nations aim to fortify their cooperation across various sectors, including trade, energy, and security.
In addition to the Chagos Islands agreement, Trump addressed the ongoing conflict involving Iran, predicting a decrease in prices following the resolution of the war. The meeting underscored the shared interests and mutual cooperation goals between the United States and the United Kingdom.