Tillerson defends strained 'special relationship' on UK visit

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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson defended the "special relationship" between Britain and the United States during a visit to London on Monday, following a series of spats since the election of Donald Trump that have strained ties.

Tillerson paid a discreet visit to the new US embassy in London after Trump cancelled plans to open it himself, the latest in a spate of damaging rows.

The top US diplomat later met with counterpart Boris Johnson and Prime Minister Theresa May, speaking of the need to reset the relationship between the historic allies.

"We spend a lot of time talking about the world's problems... and sometimes we forget about the importance of our own relationship," Tillerson said as he met Johnson.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (L) and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson hold a joint press conference in central London, January 22, 2018. /VCG Photo

"We need to pay attention to that relationship... we treasure it," he added.

Johnson described the relationship as "absolutely fundamental" to Britain's economy.

The pair talked about Yemen and Turkey's assault on Kurdish militia in Syria.

Tillerson also met with May in her Downing Street office, where they discussed the Iran nuclear agreement.

"They agreed on the importance of the international community coming together to counter Iran's destabilizing regional activity, and the prime minister reiterated the UK's commitment to the Iran nuclear deal," Downing Street said in a statement.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson leaves 10 Downing Street after meeting Prime Minister Theresa May in London, England, January 22, 2018. /VCG Photo‍

Tillerson earlier bucked tradition by not holding a formal meet-and-greet during his visit to the new embassy, which the State Department said was due to the current shutdown of the US government over a budget impasse in Congress.

But even before the shutdown, the State Department had already played down Tillerson's visit to the embassy, which opened last week, due to controversy over Trump's refusal to inaugurate the new building.

The president said he was unhappy at the cost and location of the new embassy, a futuristic cuboid building surrounded by a moat.

But the decision came after a series of rows and after it became clear the visit would be met with mass protests.

Source(s): AFP