Donald trump tells merkel he is not an isolationist; calls for 'fair trade'

Donald Trump tells Merkel he is not an isolationist; calls for 'fair trade'

President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed the notion that he was an "isolationist" in his policies, as he held talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and asserted that Germany and the US must work together towards fair and reciprocal trade policies.

"My administration is in the process of rebuilding the American industrial base. A stronger America is in the interest, believe me, of the world as a whole," Trump told reporters at a joint news conference with the visiting German Chancellor Merkel.

Germany and the United States, he said, must work together towards fair and reciprocal trade policies that benefit people of both the countries.

"Millions of hard-working US citizens have been left behind by international commerce, and together, we can shape a future where all of our citizens have a path to financial security. The United States will respect historic institutions and we will also recognise the right of free people to manage their own destiny," Trump said.

On immigration, another issue dividing Merkel and the new US president, Trump said immigration was a "privilege" and not a "right".

Responding to a question, Trump refuted the impression that he is an isolationist.

"I don't believe in an isolationist policy. But I also believe a policy of trade should be a fair policy. The United States has been treated very, very unfairly by many countries over the years. That's going to stop. But I'm not an isolationist," he said.

"I'm a free trader, but I'm also a fair trader. Our free trade has led to a lot of bad things happening. You look at the deficits that we have, and you look at all of the accumulation of debt. We're a very powerful country. We're a very strong country," said the US President.(READ MORE)

ARTICLE SOURCE – BUSINESS STANDARD