OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney revealed Thursday that he held a lengthy and constructive phone conversation with US President Donald Trump ahead of the NATO summit, discussing a range of international and bilateral issues, including alliance security, Iran, and developments across the Middle East.
Speaking at a news conference, Carney said the call took place on Wednesday and involved not only Trump but also several senior US officials. The discussions focused on key geopolitical challenges facing NATO allies as well as ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East.
According to Carney, the exchange was productive and reflected continued cooperation between Ottawa and Washington on major international matters. He noted that both governments remain engaged on issues related to security, diplomacy, and regional stability.
The conversation comes at a time when NATO members are seeking greater coordination on defence and foreign policy priorities amid growing global uncertainty. Iran and broader Middle Eastern developments were among the central topics addressed during the talks.
Carney also commented on the possibility of a future agreement between Canada and the United States, suggesting that negotiations require patience and careful consideration. He emphasized that Ottawa would only support an arrangement that serves Canada’s interests and delivers meaningful outcomes.
“We’re not going to sign a bad deal,” Carney said, stressing that any agreement must be substantive rather than rushed. He noted that negotiations can often progress rapidly once both sides move closer to a final understanding.
Despite the positive tone of the conversation, Canada-US relations have faced significant challenges since Trump returned to office. Trade disputes, including tariffs on Canadian products, have strained economic ties between the two neighbours.
Political tensions have also intensified following Trump’s repeated remarks suggesting that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States—comments that have been widely rejected by Canadian leaders and the public.
Nevertheless, Carney’s remarks indicate that both governments continue to maintain open lines of communication on issues of mutual concern, even as differences remain over trade and other policy matters.
The call highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts by Ottawa and Washington to manage their complex relationship while working together on international security challenges ahead of the NATO summit.
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