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The so-called special relationship between Britain and the US "can always be closer" the White House has said as Theresa May prepares to meet Donald Trump on Friday.

The Prime Minister will be the first foreign leader to meet the new president for talks, a decision which reflects the historic ties between the UK and US, Mr Trump’s press secretary Sean Spicer said.

Mr Spicer said Mr Trump was “excited” about meeting Mrs May and would have a “great conversation” about the potential for trade with the UK.

He told reporters: "I think we have always had that special relationship with Britain and that reflects in the Prime Minister's first visit here.

"He's had a great conversation with her and he looks forward to having her here but we can always be closer."

Mrs May has said she will use the meeting to make the case for increasing free trade between Britain and the US.

But Mr Trump has been clear that he believes international trade deals have been damaging for American industry.

Mr Spicer said there would be a "new era of trade policy" that would "put American workers first and foremost".

But he added: "When he [Mr Trump] talks to Prime Minister May he is going to have a great conversation about the potential for greater trade with the UK."

The Prime Minister will travel to the United States on Thursday when she will become the first foreign serving head of state or government to address the annual congressional Republican retreat, when it gathers for its 30th anniversary in Philadelphia.

In her meeting with Mr Trump, the Prime Minister said she will also stress the "importance of Nato as the bulwark of our defence", following his description of the transatlantic security alliance as "obsolete".

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon talked to US counterpart James Mattis in a "very warm" telephone conversation on Monday.

He said: "We talked of our joint leadership in Nato, including modernising the Alliance and how we ensure that all members meet the Nato 2% spending commitment alongside America and Britain, with our growing defence budget.

"Operationally, we discussed the importance of working together to accelerate the defeat of current threats, including from Daesh in Iraq and Syria, and tackling terrorism in all its forms.

"I look forward to meeting Secretary Mattis at the next meeting of Nato defence ministers in February."

Additional reporting by Press Association