Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the need to strengthen relationships with “reliable allies” in Europe as he met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday during his first overseas trip, amid ongoing tensions with the United States.
Carney’s decision to visit Paris instead of Washington, as is usual for Canadian leaders, comes after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions with both Canada and Europe, and floated threats of annexing Canada.
Carney’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris marks a strategic move to reinforce alliances, as Trump’s aggressive trade measures, including tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, have strained U.S.-Canadian relations.
“(It) is more important than ever for Canada to strengthen its ties with reliable allies like France,” Carney said, ahead of a working lunch with Macron at the Elysee Palace, noting that Canada was “the most European of non-European countries.”
Carney visits London later on Monday.
His itinerary includes a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, reinforcing historical ties with former colonial powers.
In a veiled reference to Trump, Macron said Canada was a good example of a country that defends its national interests while being collaborative on the global scene.
“I think we both believe that fair trade that respects international rules is good for everyone’s prosperity, and is certainly more effective than tariffs,” Macron said.
As the two men were leaving, a Canadian reporter in the room asked whether they wanted to tell Trump to “back off”, but neither Carney nor Macron took questions from media.
Trump has shocked Western allies by imposing tariffs on their imports, questioning traditional alliances, and even floating threats of annexation for Canada or the Danish territory of Greenland since he came to office in January.
It is unclear how long Trump’s tariffs will last, or what is driving his aspirations for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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