Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his priority in talks with King Charles on Monday would be protecting his country’s sovereignty after US President Donald Trump recently suggested making Canada the 51st US state.
He said nothing is more important to his citizens than standing up for their sovereignty and independence, ahead of his meeting with Charles, who is Canada’s head of state.
Last week, Charles invited Trump for what would be a historic second state visit to Britain, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer handing over the invitation during a meeting before the world’s media in the Oval Office.
“I look forward to sitting down with His Majesty tomorrow. As always, we will discuss matters of importance to Canada and Canadians, and I can tell you that nothing seems more important to Canadians than standing up for our sovereignty and our independence as a nation,” Trudeau said.
According to Trudeau, the outgoing prime minister, Trump’s remarks about absorbing Canada are a genuine concern and are linked to the country’s rich natural resources.
Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada would be better off if it agreed to become the 51st US state.
Trudeau was also asked about Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stressing that he stands with the Ukrainian leader.
