Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has mentioned it is very important strengthen ties with “dependable allies” in Europe, as he met French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday.
Mr Carney’s determination to make Paris his first overseas go to, as an alternative of Washington, got here after US President Donald Trump escalated commerce tensions with each Canada and Europe, and floated threats of annexing Canada.
“(It) is extra necessary than ever for Canada to strengthen its ties with dependable allies like France,” Mr Carney mentioned, forward of a working lunch with Mr Macron on the Élysée Palace, noting that Canada was “essentially the most European of non-European international locations.”
Mr Carney may even go to London afterward Monday.
In a veiled reference to Mr Trump, Mr Macron mentioned Canada was an excellent instance of a rustic that defends its nationwide pursuits whereas being collaborative on the worldwide scene.
“I feel we each imagine that truthful commerce that respects worldwide guidelines is sweet for everybody’s prosperity, and is definitely simpler than tariffs,” Mr Macron mentioned.
Mr Carney (left) famous throughout his assembly that Canada was “essentially the most European of non-European international locations.” (Reuters: Carlos Osorio)
As the 2 males have been leaving, a Canadian reporter within the room requested whether or not they wished to inform Mr Trump to “again off”, however neither Mr Carney nor Mr Macron took questions from media.
Mr Trump has shocked Western allies by imposing tariffs on their imports, questioning conventional alliances, and even floating threats of annexation for Canada or the Danish territory of Greenland since he got here to workplace in January.
It’s unclear how lengthy Mr Trump’s tariffs will final, or what’s driving his aspirations for Canada to develop into the 51st US state.
Mr Carney has additionally invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the G7 summit in June within the western province of Alberta, a authorities official advised AFP on Monday native time.Â
The Canadian chief, who took workplace final week, spoke to the Ukrainian chief over the weekend, the official mentioned, including: “President Zelenskyy has been invited to the G7 assembly in Alberta in June.”
Reuters/AFPÂ
