Canada PM Mark Carney meets King Charles and Macron after Trump threats

After succeeding Trudeau last week, Carney conspicuously chose key European powers France and UK, rather than US, for first foreign visits

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Britain’s King Charles, left, with Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney at Buckingham Palace, London on Monday. Photo: PA Wire / dpa

Published: 8:25pm, 17 Mar 2025Updated: 2:39am, 18 Mar 2025

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday said his country was seeking to reinforce ties with “reliable” European allies as he met Britain’s King Charles and France’s Emmanuel Macron on his first foreign trip since taking office.

Carney’s transatlantic visits came after his country’s southern neighbour the United States made threats towards Canada’s economy and even sovereignty, with US President Donald Trump ramping up the rhetoric.

After succeeding Justin Trudeau last week, Carney conspicuously chose key European powers France and the United Kingdom, rather than the United States, for the visits.

Britain’s King Charles – who is also head of state in Canada – was pictured smiling as he welcomed Carney for talks at Buckingham Palace, and the Canadian leader is expected to meet his UK counterpart Keir Starmer later on Monday.

Earlier, the former Bank of England governor met President Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

Describing Canada as the “most European of non-European countries”, Carney said his nation needed to boost ties with European allies such as France while trying to retain positive relations with Washington.