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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.
On Saturday, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer rolled out the welcome mat at Downing Street for Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, wrapping him in a hearty embrace—just 24 hours after the Ukrainian chief’s bruising dust-up with U.S. President Donald Trump.
A crowd of backers roared their approval as Zelensky’s motorcade cruised into the iconic London hub, where Starmer greeted him with open arms, the two leaders flashing smiles for the cameras before ducking into the PM’s residence for a high-stakes powwow.
“You’re very, very welcome here in Downing Street,” Starmer told Zelensky.
“And as you’ve heard from the cheers street outside, you have full backing across the United Kingdom, and we stand with you with Ukraine for as long as it may take.”
Starmer said both leaders wanted to achieve “a lasting peace for Ukraine, based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine — so important for Europe and so important for the United Kingdom”.
Zelensky responded that had seen the hundreds of supporters gathered outside Downing Street.
