Trump to travel to UK for first state visit in June

President Trump will visit the United Kingdom in June, marking his first state visit to the country.

The White House announced Tuesday morning that Trump had accepted Queen Elizabeth II’s invitation for an official visit from June 3-5. 

The president will participate in D-Day anniversary ceremonies in the British town of Portsmouth that coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Europe.

{mosads}”This state visit will reaffirm the steadfast and special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition to meeting the Queen, the President will participate in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Theresa May,” the White House said in a statement.

“While in the United Kingdom, the President and First Lady will attend a ceremony in Portsmouth to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, at one of the primary embarkation sites for the Allied operation that led to the liberation of Europe during World War II,” it added.

The Foreign Office in London said the Portsmouth event, which will include live performances, military displays and tributes to the Allied troops who fought in Normandy, will be “one of the greatest British military spectacles in recent history.”

The Trump administration’s ambassador to the U.K. previously stated that Trump was seeking to visit the country after lawmakers completed Brexit negotiations, which have since been extended to October.

British lawmakers have debated for months over plans for the country to exit the European Union, a position supported by Trump, who has been critical of May’s negotiations.

Trump met with May during a “working visit” to the U.K. last year, and was met with heavy protests in London and controversy among British lawmakers.

May said in a statement on Tuesday that the state visit “is an opportunity to strengthen our already close relationship in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence, and to discuss how we can build on these ties in the years ahead.”

Trump will also travel to France in June, according to the White House, where he will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and observe D-Day celebrations at Normandy beach, and participate in a bilateral meeting.

–Jordan Fabian contributed to this report, which was updated at 10:02 a.m.