This archive report was first published on 25 August 2019.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made his international debut at the G7 summit in Biarritz, France, on August 25, 2019, where he sought to capitalize on his friendship with President Trump while avoiding a rift with European leaders.
Johnson's goal was to reassure the world that he would deliver Brexit by the October 31 deadline, with or without a deal, as he had promised.
During a meeting with Trump, the president praised Johnson as the 'right man' to deliver Brexit and pledged a 'very big trade deal' with the United States once Britain had left the EU.
However, Johnson responded cautiously, saying that reaching an agreement 'may take some time' and would require compromises from the United States.
Johnson's statements left little clarity about the status of his efforts to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement with the European Union, fueling speculation that Britain is heading for a general election in the fall.
Johnson's comments on the prospects of a Brexit deal were also conflicting, with him telling the BBC that the chances were 'touch and go' and later saying they were 'improving.'
He also suggested that if an agreement were not struck, Britain would not be obliged to pay the full 39 billion-pound divorce bill it had promised the European Union.
The summit marked a crucial moment in Johnson's diplomatic journey, as he tries to woo Trump and play hard ball with Brussels without alienating European leaders.
