AYLESBURY, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Prime Minister Theresa May and U.S. President Donald Trump hold a joint press conference at Chequers on July 13, 2018 in Aylesbury, England. US President, Donald Trump, held bi-lateral talks with British Prime Minister, Theresa May at her grace-and-favour country residence, Chequers. Earlier British newspaper, The Sun, revealed criticisms of Theresa May and her Brexit policy made by President Trump in an exclusive interview. Later today The President and First Lady will join Her Majesty for tea at Windosr Castle. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
AYLESBURY, ENGLAND - JULY 13: Prime Minister Theresa May and U.S. President Donald Trump hold a joint press conference at Chequers on July 13, 2018 in Aylesbury, England. US President, Donald Trump, hShow more

Trump says sorry to May after talks with British PM



Donald Trump apologised to Theresa May for a newspaper interview in which he criticised her handling of the negotiations to leave Europe, using a press conference to lavish praise on the British leader as tough and determined.

"I have a lot of respect for the prime minister," he said. "I've been watching her over the last couple of days. She's a tough negotiator. She's a very very smart and determined person."

"I would much rather have her as my friend than my enemy."

He claimed that Mrs May brushed of the controversy by deriding the media coverage. "Don't worry, it's only the press," he quoted her as saying.

The pair held an outwardly convivial press conference on the lawns of Chequers, the country home of British prime ministers, at the end of several hours of talks. Mr Trump and his wife Melania then flew by helicopter to Windsor Castle when the president reviewed an honour guard from the Coldstream Guards before taking afternoon tea with Queen Elizabeth. The US president appeared visibly awed by the pomp and circumstance accorded to him and his wife.

During the press conference, Mrs May was adamant that Britain would be in a position to sign trade deals with the US when it left the European Union next year. The US leader said in the interview her negotiating stance had "killed" the prospect.

"Turning to our economic co-operation, with mutual investment between us already over $1 trillion, we want to go further," she said. "We agreed today, that as the UK leaves the European Union, we will pursue an ambitious US-UK Free Trade Agreement.

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Trump in Britain

US president slams May’s Brexit deal hours after dinner to honour him

Comment: Theresa May could end up the loser from Trump's UK visit

Trump lands in London to protests and joy

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"A deal that builds on the UK’s independent trade policy; reducing tariffs, delivering a gold-standard in financial services co-operation, and - as two of the world’s most advanced economies - seizing the opportunity of new technology."

Mr Trump said after speaking to Mrs May's officials that a free trade agreement would still be possible, adding America wanted "full self-government" as it negotiates an exit from the European Union.

"We will see how that goes," he added.

Mr Trump sees the EU as a trade predator on the US and also warned that immigration has been "very bad" for Europe and is changing the culture of the continent. He even linked the policy to terror attacks on the continent.

"You see the same terror attacks that I do," he said. "I think it's changing the culture, I think it's a negative thing for Europe, a very negative thing."

Asked about Monday's meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Mr Trump said a poor relationship with Moscow was one of the "very bad hands" he had been left by President Barack Obama.

Tens of thousands of protesters  gathered in central London to make their feelings about Mr Trump known. A giant inflatable baby blimp was tethered in front of parliament after the stunt gained approval from the London mayor, Sadiq Khan.

Mr Khan called on Mr Trump to explain why he keeps singling out him out for criticism.

London's first Muslim mayor said Friday that many major cities, including Paris, Brussels and Berlin, have suffered terrorism attacks but that Trump has chosen to only criticise him.

The mayor challenged Trump's claim that Europe is "losing its culture" because of immigration. Khan says immigration has brought "huge" social, economic and cultural benefits to London and to Britain.

Meanwhile Melania Trump visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a historic London retirement home for hundreds of former British soldiers.

Mrs Trump split off from her husband Friday morning for the solo outing to the hospital, which dates from over 300 years ago to the reign of King Charles II.

The first lady was accompanied by Mrs May's husband, Philip.

She met local schoolchildren and mingled with the hospital's resident veterans, known as Chelsea Pensioners.

As European leaders digest Mr Trump's comments at Nato and in London, the French foreign minister accused the US president of trying to "destabilise" the EU.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Friday on BFM television that Trump "can't tolerate that there is an ensemble called the European Union". But, he added, "Europe will not let itself be destabilised."

What's in the deal?

Agreement aims to boost trade by £25.5bn a year in the long run, compared with a total of £42.6bn in 2024

India will slash levies on medical devices, machinery, cosmetics, soft drinks and lamb.

India will also cut automotive tariffs to 10% under a quota from over 100% currently.

Indian employees in the UK will receive three years exemption from social security payments

India expects 99% of exports to benefit from zero duty, raising opportunities for textiles, marine products, footwear and jewellery

Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.