Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney underscored the need to bolster ties with “reliable allies” in Europe as he met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Monday for his first international visit. His decision to choose France over the customary first stop in Washington highlights growing tensions between Canada and the United States under President Donald Trump.

Carney’s visit comes as Trump intensifies trade disputes with both Canada and Europe while even suggesting the possibility of annexing Canada. Speaking ahead of his meeting with Macron at the Élysée Palace, Carney emphasized Canada’s deep-rooted connections with Europe, calling it “the most European of non-European countries.”

Macron, in a subtle critique of Trump, praised Canada as a nation that successfully balances national interests with global cooperation. “We both share the belief that fair trade, grounded in international rules, fosters prosperity far more effectively than tariffs,” Macron stated.

As the leaders exited, a Canadian journalist in the room attempted to ask whether they had a message for Trump to “back off,” but neither Carney nor Macron responded.

Trump’s policies have unsettled Western allies, with his administration imposing tariffs, questioning long-standing alliances, and making unorthodox geopolitical statements—including the suggestion that Canada or Greenland could become U.S. territories. While the duration of Trump’s trade measures remains uncertain, his motivations for reshaping North America’s borders are equally unclear.

Later on Monday, Carney is set to continue his European outreach with a visit to London.