Carney, Trump use G7 summit to discuss trade pressures

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump agreed Monday to pursue a “new economy and security relationship” between the two countries, Carney’s office said in a statement.

Against the backdrop of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, the two leaders talked trade.

“Prime Minister Carney and President Trump discussed immediate trade pressures and priorities for each country’s workers and businesses and shared updates on key issues raised in negotiations on a new economic and security relationship between Canada and the US,” the statement said.

The two leaders agreed to pursue negotiations toward a deal in the next 30 days.

“The Prime Minister and the President also underscored collaboration on further shared priorities at the Summit, such as critical minerals, gun and drug smuggling, illegal drugs, and border security. The leaders also discussed possible areas of cooperation on defense,” said the statement.

Trump said “not so much” is standing in the way of an economic and security deal with Canada, the Globe and Mail newspaper reported.

Further talks will convene later this week after the G7 ends.

Carney called his meeting with Trump “fantastic.”

Carney and Trump agreed to maintain contact in the weeks ahead, including as NATO leaders convene next week.