Carney and Trump Move Closer to Trade Agreement, Says US Ambassador
OTTAWA – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump are engaging in direct talks aimed at finalizing a new trade agreement, according to US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra. While details remain unclear, Hoekstra described the negotiations as moving toward “a very positive agreement.”
Speaking at the Canadian Club of Ottawa, Hoekstra hinted at progress but declined to confirm whether a deal had been reached. “Until a deal is announced, we won’t know what’s in it and we won’t know if it’s finalized,” he said during a public discussion.
Reports have suggested that Ottawa and Washington have exchanged a draft outlining potential terms, though Hoekstra later walked back any confirmation, stating, “I’m not confirming or denying anything.”
Carney has prioritized securing a comprehensive agreement on trade, security, and other key bilateral issues. Tensions have risen between the two nations in recent years, especially after President Trump imposed high tariffs on Canadian exports, including steel, aluminum, and auto products.
Hoekstra indicated the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada may serve as a strategic moment for a formal announcement. “They’ll both be in Canada, and there’d be lots of questions if there isn’t something that is announced,” he noted.
The ambassador emphasized that both leaders are focused on achieving favorable outcomes for their respective countries. “You’ve got a prime minister negotiating in the best interests of Canada, and a president working to secure the best deal for the United States,” he said.
Though optimism is growing, officials caution that a final agreement remains a possibility, not a certainty.
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