US President Donald Trump began his first official meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney today with smiles and handshakes, despite expectations of a tense dialogue on a number of controversial issues, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
The meeting in the Oval Office began with joking but telling remarks related to Trump's idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States - a proposal that cooled relations between the two countries even before the visit.
“We will not discuss this unless someone wants to discuss it“, Trump said, adding ironically: “It would really be a wonderful marriage.“
Carney, without losing his composure, reacted firmly: “Canada is not for sale, it will not be for sale - never.“
“Never "Never say never, never say never," Trump replied with a smile.
The US president also said he intended to raise "tough questions," referring to the tariffs he imposed and his belief that the US could do without Canadian imports.
"No matter what, we will remain friends with Canada," Trump assured.
Carney's Liberal Party won the April 28 election on promises of a more independent foreign policy and building a new relationship with the US based on mutual respect and protection of Canadian interests in trade and security.