Newly-elected Canadian prime minister Mark Carney met Donald Trump for the first time on Tuesday, telling him to his face in a White House news conference that Canada would never be for sale.
The former Bank of England governor won the 28 April election on a promise to stand up to Trump, who has imposed tariffs on some Canadian products and often makes comments about annexing the country, referring to it as the 51st US state.
Although Carney has repeatedly called these actions a betrayal, the two leaders showed little animosity during an opening session in the Oval Office where both men praised each other.
Trump said the two sides would not be discussing Canada becoming part of the United States, but said it would be “a wonderful marriage.”
Carney put down the idea firmly. “It’s not for sale, it won’t be for sale – ever,” he said.
“Never say never, never say never,” Trump replied – to which Carney silently mouthed “never”.
Trump said the leaders would discuss “tough points” – an allusion to the president’s belief that the United States can do without Canadian products
“Regardless of anything, we’re going to be friends with Canada. Canada is a very special place to me,” Trump said.
Carney’s Liberal Party promised voters it would create a new bilateral economic and security relationship with Washington and diversify an economy heavily dependent on exports to the US.
Ahead of the visit, Carney played down expectations of a breakthrough in the talks, saying it was unlikely he could persuade Trump to lift tariffs.
Trump was on bad terms with Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, and during Tuesday’s meeting criticized him and former foreign minister Chrystia Freeland.
Shortly before the meeting, Mr Trump said on social media that the United States didn’t need “anything” from its northern neighbour.
“We don’t need their Cars, we don’t need their Energy, we don’t need their Lumber, we don’t need ANYTHING they have, other than their friendship, which hopefully we will always maintain,” he wrote.
His claim defies the underlying economic data as the US depends on oil produced in Canada, in addition to an array of other goods that cross border trade have helped to make more affordable in ways that benefit growth.
Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report.
