Donald Trump and the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed the 51st State issue during a face-to-face meeting at the White House.
Warm welcome
In their first official meeting, Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and U.S. President Donald Trump exchanged cordial words, with Trump congratulating Carney on his victory and affirming his attachment to Canada and his desire for a friendly relationship between the two countries.
Face to face
The sensitive issue of the 51st state, a veritable elephant in the room of the Oval Office, was of course not lost on the many journalists present, as it was raised face-to-face by the two leaders during their exchange.
Trump «still believes»
Trump tried to tone down his comments, while reiterating that he would like to see the idea come to fruition, adding that he «still believes canada should become 51st state».
A spirit of... friendship?
However, he made it clear that this should be done in a spirit of friendship, before concluding: «We’re not going to be discussing that unless somebody wants to discuss it».
«Canada is not for sale»
Carney was keen to remind Trump that, having met Canada's owners - his own fellow citizens - during his campaign, the message from Canadians is clear: «Canada is not for sale».
A symbolic example
Carney added: «There are places that will never be for sale», citing the White House as a symbolic example in a real estate-flavored exchange.
«It will never be for sale»
Mark Carney closed the debate with a firm statement: «It will never be for sale».