Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met at the White House with U.S. President Donald Trump to address crucial issues regarding tariffs and the future of the bilateral relationship between Canada and the U.S. Although the agenda and the members of the delegation accompanying Carney were not disclosed, he traveled to Washington with the expectation of significant negotiations.
During a prior press conference, Carney revealed that the meeting was more than a formality, given the importance placed by the U.S. administration and the relevance of the participants. He anticipated that the discussions would be complex due to Trump's changing objectives and warned that an immediate resolution should not be expected.
One of Carney's goals was the elimination of tariffs imposed by the U.S. in response to the trafficking of fentanyl and migrants from Canada and Mexico. In the long term, he sought to lay the groundwork for a future bilateral relationship in economic and security areas, considering the differences with the former Trump administration.
Carney expressed his concern about Trump's rhetoric regarding a possible annexation of Canada and his attitude towards the relationship between the two countries. He acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations but emphasized that Canada had alternative options in terms of trade and security outside the U.S.
In preparation for the meeting, Carney communicated with allies such as the Prime Minister of Australia and the President of the European Commission to strengthen bilateral relations and explore collaboration opportunities in various areas. He indicated that the discussions, while difficult, would be constructive in seeking a mutual understanding beneficial for both parties.
