PARIS — Newly sworn-in Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in Paris to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, looking for support from one of Canada’s oldest allies as the United States continues its attacks on Canada’s sovereignty and economy. This is Carney’s first official foreign trip since taking the oath of office on March 14, and he will also meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III during his upcoming visit to London.

Carney has chosen to visit Paris and London, two European capital cities that played key roles in Canada’s early history. At his swearing-in ceremony, he spoke about the country’s three foundational peoples: French, English, and Indigenous. He emphasized that Canada is fundamentally different from America and will “never in any way be part of the United States.”

Since Trump took office, he has levied tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and repeatedly voiced his opinion about turning Canada into the 51st state. This has infuriated Canadians and sparked calls for a boycott of US products. On April 2, Trump is threatening to impose tariffs on all Canadian products. During a briefing, a Canadian government official stressed that the purpose of the trip is to strengthen partnerships with London and Paris.

In Paris, Carney will visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral before meeting with Macron at the Palais de l’Élysée. However, Macron is not expected to hold a joint news conference with Carney, suggesting that he may not want to upset Trump by siding with Canada. After returning to Ottawa on Tuesday, Carney will travel to the edge of Canada’s Arctic to reaffirm the country’s Arctic security and sovereignty.

Carney’s trip to London will be a personal homecoming, as he became the first non-British governor in the Bank of England’s 319-year history when he took over in 2013. During his time in London, he will meet with Starmer and King Charles III. Carney has indicated that he is ready to meet with Trump if respect for Canadian sovereignty is shown, but he does not have plans to visit Washington at the moment. His government is also reviewing the purchase of US-made F-35 fighter jets in light of Trump’s trade war.

While in Paris, Carney spoke with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and invited him to the G7 summit this summer. On Tuesday, Trump will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin as he pushes for an end to the war in Ukraine. Carney is expected to call an election by the end of the week, with the vote taking place in late April or early May.

Source: https://time.com/7268834/canada-carney-europe-trip-us-ties/