Theresa May, prime minister of the United Kingdom, is expected to pledge her support to furthering the relationship between Britain and America, according to prepared remarks for a speech on Thursday.
“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,” May will tell congressional Republicans at the group’s annual retreat.
Recommended Stories
May will arrive in the U.S. on Thursday morning for Trump’s first in-person meeting with a world leader as president. Both countries have stated their commitment to enhancing the bond between nations.
May’s remarks before Republican lawmakers in Philadelphia will lay out how the modern world was born out of UK and America’s working relationship.
“It is through our actions over many years, working together to defeat evil or to open up the world, that we have been able to fulfill the promise of those who first spoke of the special nature of the relationship between us. The promise of freedom, liberty and the rights of man,” May will add.
The U.K. leader is expected to talk with Trump and other U.S. leaders about signing a U.K.-U.S. trade deal once her country has left the European Union. The two national leaders will also discuss plans for countering the Islamic State, and how to deal with NATO.
May will travel to Washington, D.C., on Friday. She will visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and meet with Trump in the Oval Office later in the day.
May’s schedule states “she will also have the opportunity to see the Churchill bust in place in the Oval Office, a symbol of the strength of the transatlantic partnership. The PM will give the first lady a hamper full of produce from Chequers, and will give the President an engraved Quaich.”
The gift includes Chequers apple juice, damson jam, marmalade, Bake well tarts, and cranberry and white chocolate shorties. The Quaich is an ancient Scottish artifact that was used as a drinking cup, but is now seen as a symbol of welcome and friendship.
