Last April the French Government stated, that it was against engaging in negotiations on customs duties with Washington after the US announced that previously introduced aluminum and steel tariffs would be temporarily suspended for the EU countries.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian lashed out at the US President Donald Trump, who was currently visiting Europe.

"He [Trump] jeopardized the climate agreement, he jeopardized the agreement on Iran, jeopardized the UN operating model. And he does not tolerate the fact that there is a unity called the European Union… He is taking initiatives with respect to Europe, in particular in the field of trade, which are aimed at destabilization. But Europe will not allow itself to be destabilized," Le Drian told BFMTV on Friday.

A trade conflict between the US and Europe escalated in March after Washington imposed a 25 percent tariff on steel imports and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports. Though the tariffs on Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and several other states were initially suspended, on May 31, the United States had removed the exemption, as the trade partners refused to start talks with Washington.

Trump visits the United Kingdom

Meanwhile, the US President was set to meet with the UK Prime minister Theresa May at Chequers, her county house. This meeting will follow an interview Trump gave to the Sun newspaper on Thursday, where he criticized British position on migration, NATO issues, and anti-terror policies.

According to Trump, he would avoid the capital due to mass protests against him in London.

"I guess when they put out blimps to make me feel unwelcome, no reason for me to go to London… I used to love London as a city. I haven't been there in a long time. But when they make you feel unwelcome, why would I stay there?" Trump told the newspaper.

After the tough talks with partners from EU and the UK, Trump intends to meet with the Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki on July 16.

Sputnik