US, Canadian leaders "productive" call amid rising trade tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had a productive phone call, marking their first contact since Carney's victory in the March 9 leadership race for Canada's ruling Liberals. 

Trump described the call as "extremely productive," expressing optimism for future cooperation. "We agree on many things, and will be meeting immediately after Canada's upcoming Election to work on elements of Politics, Business, and all other factors," Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social. He added that this collaboration "will end up being great for both the United States of America and Canada," Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

During the call, Trump refrained from using his usual reference to Canada as the "51st U.S. state," a term he previously used to describe former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Instead, Trump referred to Carney as the Canadian prime minister, acknowledging Canada's sovereignty. "The president respected Canada's sovereignty today, both in his private and public comments," Carney said at a press conference in Montreal, following the conversation. He added that the call had been very cordial, despite the differences over trade.

The phone call took place amid growing concerns over U.S. trade policies, with Carney reaffirming Canada's intention to impose retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. actions. "I informed President Trump that my government will be implementing counter tariffs to protect Canadian workers and our economy following the announcement of new trade actions by the United States on April 2," Carney said during the press conference.

Although the call highlighted the diplomatic challenges the two leaders face, both sides agreed on the need for future negotiations. Carney revealed that he and Trump had agreed to begin comprehensive talks about a new economic and security relationship after Canada's upcoming election on April 28. This would include discussions on Canada's role in the United States-Mexico-Canada free trade deal, which is set for review next year.

Carney emphasized the importance of Canada securing new trade partners and stated that, if elected, he would establish a C$5 billion fund to support the development of ports, railways, inland terminals, airports, and highways as part of the country’s trade diversification strategy.

By Vugar Khalilov