Carney Chooses Europe Over Trump on First Foreign Trip as Canadian PM

Mark Carney Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister deviated from convention on Monday by choosing to travel to Europe instead of the United States for his inaugural international visit since assuming leadership. The cordial reception he received in both France and the United Kingdom highlighted the growing rift between his nation and its southern counterpart.

Upon his arrival in Paris, Carney was greeted warmly by President Emmanuel Macron. He then proceeded to London, where he held meetings with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and also had a private meeting with King Charles III, who serves as the head of state for both Britain and Canada.

Switching between French and English at a joint news conference at the Élysée Palace, Carney – who took office on Friday and is known to many European leaders for his years as a central banker – told Macron that Canada is “the most European of non-European countries” and promised to be a “reliable, trustworthy and strong partner” to Paris.

Macron commended Canada for standing "shoulder-to-shoulder" with France and Europe, stating about Carney: “It’s like welcoming a friend, and we’re receiving you with great delight.”

Carney's friendly welcome in Europe coincides with strained ties between Canada and the United States, prompting Canada to consider overhauling its diplomatic relationships. Following his return to the White House, Trump imposed harsh tariffs on Canada’s economy, suggested that Canada ought to be incorporated as America’s 51st state, and frequently disparaged Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, previously addressing him as "governor" instead of "prime minister."

Following his discussion with King Charles, Carney characterized Trump’s proposal to annex Canada as both "unthinkable" and "disrespectful." He also stated that the U.S. president should cease making these remarks before they engage in talks regarding their more extensive alliance.

He revealed that the nation was reassessing the plan to buy F-35 fighter jets from the U.S., and mentioned having discussions with both British and French authorities regarding strengthening defense, military, and economic relationships.

Nevertheless, he expressed willingness to converse with Washington, stating that Canada was interested in discussing the comprehensive commercial and security partnership between their two countries.

“When the United States is ready to have that conversation, we’re more than ready to sit down,” Carney said in London.

Boosted by Trump threats

Carney – who has never before held public office in Canada – will lead the Liberal Party into the country’s next federal election, to be held later this year.

Before Trump returned to power, Canada’s Liberals – in power for nearly a decade – appeared bereft of energy and ideas, with polls showing them on track for a heavy defeat to the Conservatives, led by the firebrand Pierre Poilievre.

However, Trump’s warnings against Canada’s economy and independence have sparked a remarkable resurgence among the Liberals, making the election much more fiercely contested than it appeared only a few weeks back.

Since Friday, Carney has spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about Russia’s war in Ukraine, and with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about Brussels’ plans to fund Europe’s rearmament in the face of dwindling and uncertain US military support.

During Monday's press briefing in Paris, Carney praised Macron as an "action-oriented leader" who has played a crucial role in guiding Europe through its security challenges.

“In the midst of a crisis one must act. Unfortunately, we are in the middle of an economic and geopolitical crisis. But when you take action you have to have values: sovereignty, solidarity, dynamism and sustainability. These values are close to our hearts,” Carney said.

In London, Carney mentioned that he had extended an invitation to Zelensky for the G7 summit being hosted by Canada in Alberta later this year.

Carney is well-known to many people in the UK for his tenure as the Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020. During this period, he managed the lengthy recuperation process following the 2008 financial crisis and departed just as the Covid-19 pandemic was beginning.

At that time, Carney faced criticism from certain quarters – notably those on the political right – for his repeated warnings that exiting the European Union would harm Britain’s economy.

Max Foster and Max Saltzman provided contributing reports for Indonesia Today Update News.

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