Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and U.S. President Joe Biden held their first bilateral meeting on Tuesday.
The leaders discussed a new “partnership roadmap” to guide their work together over the coming years.
In a joint statement following the meeting, Trudeau said their main priority is keeping people safe and ending the pandemic.
“The president and I discussed collaboration to beat COVID-19, from keeping key supplies moving and supporting science and research, to joint efforts through international institutions,” said Trudeau. “We’re standing united in this fight.”
Trudeau said they also discussed the strict border measures in place to protect people in both countries from the virus.
The leaders also doubled down on efforts to tackle climate change in both countries, according to Biden.
“Now that the United States is back in the Paris Agreement, we intend to demonstrate our leadership in order to spur other countries to raise their own ambitions,” said Biden.
In addition, Biden said they agreed to re-establish the Cross-Border Crime Forum and to do all they can to tackle racism and discrimination in their systems.
Biden also reiterated his support for Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. The two Canadians have been detained in China for more than two years.
“Human beings are not bartering chips,” said Biden. “We’re going to work together until we get their safe return. Canada and the United States will stand together against abuse of universal rights and democratic freedom.”
The U.S. president said the meeting was the first of what he thinks will be many “close and cooperative sessions” between the leaders.
