Trump to Meet UK's Starmer Amid UN Assembly Diplomatic Flurry
Former US President Donald Trump is set to meet British PM Keir Starmer in New York, following talks with UAE's leader. The meetings occur as foreign officials seek face time during the UN General Assembly amid the upcoming US election.
In a significant diplomatic development, former US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on September 27, 2024, at Trump Tower in Manhattan. This meeting comes on the heels of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, an annual gathering established in 1945 that brings together representatives from 193 member states.
The encounter between Trump and Starmer follows a separate meeting held on September 25 between the former president and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, widely known as MBZ, who assumed the presidency of the United Arab Emirates in 2022. These high-level interactions are taking place against the backdrop of the upcoming US presidential election on November 5, 2024, as foreign leaders seek to establish connections with potential future US leadership.
Starmer, who has led the UK's Labour Party since 2020, is expected to address the UN General Assembly before his meeting with Trump. The Labour Party, founded in 1900, has historically held different policy positions from those associated with Trump. However, Starmer has expressed a pragmatic approach to international relations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States regardless of election outcomes.
Earlier in September, Starmer met with current US President Joe Biden to discuss international security matters, including the potential use of Western missiles against targets in Russia. This meeting underscores the ongoing "special relationship" between the UK and US, which has been a cornerstone of both nations' foreign policies since World War II.
The UAE, a federation of seven emirates that joined the UN in 1971, plays a crucial role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. As the world's seventh-largest oil producer, the UAE's diplomatic engagements carry significant weight. The country has been involved in humanitarian efforts in Gaza and has met with both Trump and current US leadership, including President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
While meetings between presidential candidates and foreign leaders are not unprecedented, they are subject to legal considerations. The Logan Act of 1799, which has never been used in a prosecution, permits such encounters but limits the ability of private citizens to negotiate US disputes with foreign governments.
It's worth noting that Trump has recently canceled or postponed meetings with some foreign leaders, including Polish President Andrzej Duda and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also appears unlikely to materialize.
As the UN General Assembly continues its session at the UN Headquarters in New York City, the international community watches closely. While the Assembly can make recommendations to states, it lacks enforcement power, highlighting the importance of bilateral meetings and relationships in shaping global politics.
The upcoming US presidential election, conducted through the Electoral College system, will determine the country's leadership for the next four years. As candidates navigate the complex landscape of international diplomacy, these meetings serve as a reminder of the global implications of US electoral politics and the enduring significance of personal relationships in international affairs.
"It's important to have good relationships with leaders around the world. We'll be discussing many things, including trade, security, and how we can work together for the benefit of both our nations."
