Canadian Prime Minister, First Among World Leaders to Speak with Biden

▲Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada [Image source=Yonhap News]

원본보기 아이콘

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became the first world leader to have a phone call with U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and agreed to cooperate on addressing bilateral issues, CBC reported on the 9th (local time).

According to the report, Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated President-elect Biden during a phone call this afternoon, as announced on Twitter.

Trudeau said, "We have worked together before," adding, "We are ready to resume that work and address the challenges and opportunities facing both countries, including climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic."

The Prime Minister's Office stated that Trudeau was the first world leader to speak with President-elect Biden by phone.

The call was initiated by Trudeau, who made the first call.

In a briefing, the Prime Minister's Office said, "The Prime Minister and the President-elect agreed on the importance of the special relationship between Canada and the United States and committed to joint cooperation in tackling the global COVID-19 pandemic and achieving a sustainable economic recovery on the international stage."

Additionally, the Prime Minister's Office added, "The two leaders agreed to cooperate on climate change and global security and to work closely within NATO and the Group of Seven (G7)."

Government officials explained that the two leaders also discussed bilateral trade relations, the U.S. preference for American-made products policy, issues related to China, and the two Canadians who have been detained in China for a long time.

They also included discussions on the Keystone XL pipeline connecting Canada and the U.S., as well as participation in international organizations.

Earlier, at a press conference in Ottawa in the morning, Trudeau sent congratulations to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and expressed hope to work with them to resolve joint challenges between the two countries.

When asked if the congratulations to President-elect Biden were premature, Trudeau said, "I am confident in the results as I trust the counts from U.S. election officials and institutions," adding, "We trust the process that works in the United States."

He said he would continue to work with the current Donald Trump administration until the U.S. presidential inauguration on January 20 next year and responded that his focus regarding President Trump's refusal to concede is on protecting Canada's national interests.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.