President Joe Biden of the US has spoken to Canada’s PM. Since taking office, it is his first bilateral meeting with Justin Trudeau.
The two leaders highlighted the mutual priorities around climate change and China. Moreover, including the release of two Canadians held confined there.
President Biden on Tuesday said human beings are not bartering chips.
The nations also pledged to align climate goal to receive zero emissions by the year 2050.
Canada is often the harbour chosen for the US president’s first foreign tour. But COVID-19 wrecked President Biden’s plan.
Mr Joe is hoping to hit the reset button with Mr Trudeau, who is a liberal. The PM’s relationship with the former Republican president Mr Donald Trump was a bit rocky.
The Canadian prime minister also pledged to help the US to get over Covid. But also to make sure that they are pulling their weight around the globe.
The leaders did not take any questions fro the journalists, which is unusual for a bilateral meeting in Washington.
Talks about China
One major issue for both the leaders in the detention of two Canadians b the Chinese authorities. The Canadians are cited for spying and help confined in jail since 2018.
Canada alleges that the men were arrested as retribution for Huawei meng Wanzhou on a US warrant.
Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig were arrested in China in 2018 and formally indicted in June 2020.
Calling for their release in remarks following the meeting, Mr Joe Biden said, Human beings are not bartering chips. They are going to work mutually until they get their safe return.
Statements on climate change?
In his opening remarks, the Canadian prime minister criticized Mr Trump administration and appreciated Mr Biden for stepping up.
Mr Trudeau added as we are preparing the joint rollout and communique, it’s nice that the Americans are pulling out all reference to climate change.
In a phone call two days after Mr Biden took office, Mr Biden’s first official call as president – Mr Trudeau conveyed his displeasure at the pipeline accord.
Earlier on Tuesday, Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Mr Biden had made clear to Mr Trudeau that the project was not in the US’s interest. Also, they want to try to greet their climate crisis while also creating good-paying union jobs.