By JOSHUA LANGDONAssociated PressWASHINGTON (AP) U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday he was open to extending negotiations over the Trans Pacific Partnership to a second round of talks that could begin next month.
Guterres’ comments came after President Donald Trump announced he was withdrawing from the deal.
Guters called the withdrawal a “disappointing and disappointing development.”
The U.K. said it was suspending its participation in the TPP negotiations, a decision that could be appealed to the International Court of Justice, which can only decide on disputes with foreign governments.
The United States and other TPP members are scheduled to meet again on March 14 to try to salvage the pact.
U.S.-EU trade relations have been strained for years, and Trump’s trade policies have been criticized by Republicans, Democrats and some liberal economists.
Gutreres has pushed for a comprehensive agreement, saying it would create jobs and boost economies around the world.