BERLIN — The UK vowed to respect European Union rules barring member nations from negotiating bilateral trade agreements, even as UK Prime Minister Theresa May prepares to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday (Jan 27) in search of a quick deal.

“Britain remains a fully engaged member of the European Union,” Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond told reporters in Brussels on Friday before a meeting of EU finance ministers. “Of course we want to strengthen our trade ties with the very many trade partners we have around the world but we’re very mindful of our obligations under the treaty.”

Mrs May, who will be the first foreign leader to meet Mr Trump in the White House, wants a deal with America to bolster exports, boost British jobs and strengthen her negotiating position as the UK prepares to leave the EU. European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told reporters this week that while there’s nothing in the treaties that “prohibits you from discussing trade”, countries can’t hold official negotiations.

French Finance Minister Michel Sapin on Thursday said “Mrs May can go and see whoever she wants.”

“She is not going there to negotiate,” he said. BLOOMBERG