Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said it was important to strengthen ties with “reliable allies” in Europe, as he met British and French leaders on his first overseas visit amid tensions with the United States.
Carney's decision to visit Paris and London 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.
“[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 President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée Palace, noting that Canada was “the most European of non-European countries.”
The former Bank of England governor later arrived in London to meet King Charles, Canada's head of state, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Downing Street.
Carney, also a former head of the Bank of Canada, became the leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party this month by depicting himself as an outsider with a history of tackling crises.
The political novice argued that he was best placed to oversee trade negotiations with Trump, who is threatening additional tariffs that could cripple Canada's export-dependent economy.
During Carney’s stop in Paris, Macron made a veiled reference to the U.S. president, saying 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.
After leaving France, Carney travelled to London where he met Charles, who has not hidden his support for Canada in recent weeks.
In February, the king issued a statement to mark the 60th anniversary of the national flag of Canada, describing it as “a symbol that never fails to elicit a sense of pride and admiration, as I recall with the deepest affection my many Canadian visits and friendships.”
Carney spoke with the king for 30 minutes before greeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the doorstep of number 10 Downing Street, British prime minister’s official residence.
“The relationship between our two countries has always been strong. Two sovereign allies, so much in common – a shared history, shared values, shared king,” Starmer said.
Carney praised the Prime Minister’s leadership on Ukraine and said he looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries.
“We’re at a point in history where the world is being reordered,” Carney said.
He added that he was honored to have attended the so-called “coalition of the willing” on Saturday, which brought together over 30 countries which have pledged their support for Ukraine. It was his first international engagement in his new role.
Canada’s prime minister also said that talks between the U.S. and Canada about the future of bilateral ties cannot happen until President Donald Trump stops making unhelpful comments about the northern neighbor.
“We’ve called out those comments. They’re disrespectful, they’re not helpful, and they need to stop,” Carney told a televised press conference during a trip to London.
Trump has stunned allies and foes alike since he returned to the White House in January, imposing tariffs, ending the isolation of Moscow and even floating threats of annexation for Canada or the Danish territory of Greenland.
“[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 President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée Palace, noting that Canada was “the most European of non-European countries.”
The former Bank of England governor later arrived in London to meet King Charles, Canada's head of state, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Downing Street.
Carney, also a former head of the Bank of Canada, became the leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party this month by depicting himself as an outsider with a history of tackling crises.
The political novice argued that he was best placed to oversee trade negotiations with Trump, who is threatening additional tariffs that could cripple Canada's export-dependent economy.
During Carney’s stop in Paris, Macron made a veiled reference to the U.S. president, saying 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.
After leaving France, Carney travelled to London where he met Charles, who has not hidden his support for Canada in recent weeks.
In February, the king issued a statement to mark the 60th anniversary of the national flag of Canada, describing it as “a symbol that never fails to elicit a sense of pride and admiration, as I recall with the deepest affection my many Canadian visits and friendships.”
Carney spoke with the king for 30 minutes before greeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the doorstep of number 10 Downing Street, British prime minister’s official residence.
“The relationship between our two countries has always been strong. Two sovereign allies, so much in common – a shared history, shared values, shared king,” Starmer said.
Carney praised the Prime Minister’s leadership on Ukraine and said he looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries.
“We’re at a point in history where the world is being reordered,” Carney said.
He added that he was honored to have attended the so-called “coalition of the willing” on Saturday, which brought together over 30 countries which have pledged their support for Ukraine. It was his first international engagement in his new role.
Canada’s prime minister also said that talks between the U.S. and Canada about the future of bilateral ties cannot happen until President Donald Trump stops making unhelpful comments about the northern neighbor.
“We’ve called out those comments. They’re disrespectful, they’re not helpful, and they need to stop,” Carney told a televised press conference during a trip to London.
Trump has stunned allies and foes alike since he returned to the White House in January, imposing tariffs, ending the isolation of Moscow and even floating threats of annexation for Canada or the Danish territory of Greenland.
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