US President Donald Trump said Saturday that relations between the United States and Ireland are stronger than ever, while describing bilateral trade as highly beneficial for Ireland but less advantageous for the US.
Speaking alongside Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin after their meeting in Dublin, Trump praised the long-standing partnership between the two countries and said Washington remained committed to maintaining close ties with Dublin.
Trump said his discussions with Irish President Catherine Connolly had included energy supplies to Europe and the situation in Northern Ireland. He acknowledged the complicated relationship between communities on both sides of the Irish border.
The US president also voiced support for the possibility of Irish reunification, saying he would welcome a united Ireland while acknowledging that the UK would have a role in the matter. He predicted that unification would eventually take place.
Turning to North American trade, Trump defended his administration’s position on the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. He dismissed suggestions that Washington was considering leaving the agreement and said the US maintained strong ties with both countries.
However, Trump criticised Canada’s trade practices, claiming that the country had benefited unfairly from the US for years. He also complained about Canadian tariffs on American agricultural products, which he said had reached as high as 400%.
Trump said Canada was interested in negotiating a new agreement and suggested that a deal could be reached soon if disagreements over tariffs and other economic issues were resolved.
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