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.

Newly sworn in Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was due to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday to discuss strengthening economic, commercial and defence ties between the two countries.