New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday he was available to talk to US President George Trump, but would do so on Canada's terms as a sovereign nation, Reuters reported.
Carney was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Party on March 9, automatically becoming prime minister. Talks with the US president traditionally take place soon after such a development, but the two politicians have not yet spoken.
"I am available to talk, but as you know, we will talk on our terms as a sovereign nation, not as what he claims we are," Carney told reporters in Newfoundland on the second day of campaigning for the April 28 general election.
Trump has threatened tariffs on Canadian exports and has often mused about annexing Canada - comments that Carney said were disrespectful and unhelpful.
Carney also suggested that Trump was waiting to see the election results before calling the winner.