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The world leaders shook hands after the US president told Mrs May directly: "There's nothing that would happen to you that we won't be there to fight for you. You know that," adding that the UK and US were "joint at the hip" in their military cooperation. During a joint photocall, the US president promised US-UK trade would "increase many times" after Brexit. Donald Trump said: "It's great to see you. One thing that will be taking place over a number of years will be trade. "Trade is going to increase many times and we look forward to that.

REUTERS Theresa May and Trump shake hands

There's nothing that would happen to you that we won't be there to fight for you Donald Trump

"The trade concepts and discussions really, I think I can say most importantly, will be taking place, are going to lead to tremendous increases in trade between our two countries which is great for both in terms of jobs. "We look forward to that and we are starting that process pretty much as we speak." In response, Theresa May vowed Britain and the US would "stand shoulder to shoulder". The prime minister said: "As you say, we've had a great discussion today. We continue to have that really special relationship between the UK and the US. "Standing shoulder to shoulder because we're facing the same challenges across the world and, as you say, we're working together to defeat those challenges and to meet them.

REUTERS Trump has vowed to 'fight' for the UK

"And, alongside that, working for a good trade relationship in the future, which will to both our benefits. "So the UK and the US both do well out of this and it's been great to see you today." When asked about Mr Trump's state visit to the UK, both leaders said they would "talk about that". The moment comes after claims the US/UK “special relationship” was in trouble after a difficult period for relations between Mrs May and Mr Trump.

GETTY May said the UK and US will stand shoulder to shoulder

Mr Trump unexpectedly announced he would not be travelling to London for the opening of the US Embassy building next month. It comes after Mrs May publicly criticised Mr Trump for retweeting videos posted by far-right Britain First group. Earlier today, Mr Trump's senior economic boss vowed the UK would be at the "front of the line" for a free-trade agreement with the United States after Brexit. US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin said Donald Trump had made it "clear" Britain would be "at the front of the line, and not the back of the line" when trade negotiations start after the UK's exit from the EU.

Live from inside DAVOS Summit 2018 Fri, January 26, 2018 Behind the scenes at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Play slideshow EPA 1 of 30 Donald J. Trump adresses a plenary session during the 48th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, 26 January 2018