Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to Meet Donald Trump on Monday

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is headed to Washington on Monday for his first face-to-face with US President Donald Trump.

Trudeau’s director of communications, Kate Purchase, issued an email statement on Thursday saying that both leaders “look forward to discussing the unique relationship between Canada and the United States and how we can continue to work hard for middle class Canadians and Americans, together,” according to a report from the CBC.

During a press conference while in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Trudeau was asked if he will raise the issue of the travel ban with Trump. “As everyone in Canada knows, I have two important responsibilities that stand out in the way we engage our neighbours to the south. The first is, of course, to highlight Canadian values and principles and the things that keep our country strong,” Trudeau explained.

He went on to reveal that the second responsibility is to create jobs and opportunities for Canadians “through the continued close integration on both sides of the border.”

Three of the Prime Minister’s chief ministers have already made visits to lay the groundwork for Monday’s talks with their US counterparts.Christia Freeland, Foreign Affairs Minister, HarjitSajjan, Defence Minister and Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, each made what they called “successful” first forays into the Trump Administration.

According to the same source, when asked about the meetings, Morneau said “we found our US counterparts to be interested, engaged, understanding the depth of the relationship and the importance of the relationship to the United States and Canada, so we want to build on that. I think Americans instinctively understand the strength of the relationship.”

Few, however, are anticipating another Barack Obama-like bromance. As for Trump’s opinion on the initial meeting, press secretary Sean Spicer offered the following comment, “The President looks forward to a constructive conversation and strengthening the deep relationship between the Untied States and Canada.”

Source: Morocco World News