Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared on Wednesday that he wishes to meet directly with United States President Donald Trump, emphasizing the importance of a face-to-face conversation between the two leaders. Carney’s comments came during a campaign event in British Columbia, where he addressed cross-border relations between Ottawa and Washington.

“Any meeting between Canada and the United States must be conducted between two sovereign states,” Carney stated, underlining the need for equality and mutual respect in diplomatic engagement. He added that he expects the potential discussions with Trump to be “comprehensive,” covering a wide range of critical issues that impact both nations.

The Canadian leader also made clear that he intends to take a firm stance on economic matters, particularly trade. “I will do everything I can to protect Canada from the trade policies of President Trump,” Carney vowed. While he did not elaborate on specific policies or potential countermeasures, the statement signals a strong negotiating posture ahead of any future dialogue.

Carney’s comments come amid renewed scrutiny of North American trade relations, with recent tensions over tariffs, cross-border commerce, and regulatory standards. Although no meeting has yet been scheduled, Carney’s public call for direct engagement indicates a proactive approach to shaping bilateral relations under Trump’s current administration.

The White House has not yet responded to Carney’s remarks. However, the prospect of high-level talks between the two leaders could mark a significant development in U.S.-Canada relations, especially as both countries face complex economic and geopolitical challenges on the international stage.