Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney embarked on his first international trip on Monday as he works to strengthen ties with Europe and connect with his own people while working with the Trump administration looms beyond.

This is Carney’s first in-person meeting with an international leader as prime minister. Macron called Canada a “unique friend” with a shared vision of freedom. He also underscored a deep strategic partnership for trade, defence, protecting the environment and creating new technologies.

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