US President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justine Trudeau today pledged to work together to defeat ISIS and build "bridges of commerce" across the border, after their first face-to-face meeting.
"Together, we are harnessing all elements of national power to achieve the goal of degrading and destroying ISIS through our military operations to deny it safe havens and to build the capacity of local partners," the two countries said in a jointstatement after a White House meeting between Trump and Trudeau, the two leaders who are polar opposite of each other in every way.
As per the joint statement, the two countries also vowed to stop the flow of foreign terrorist fighters into the Middle East region, cut off access to financing and funding, counter the ISIS narrative, and support the stabilisation of communities liberated from ISIS.
"Security and immigration needs to work together," Trudeau told reporter at a joint news conference with Trump at the White House as the US President identified terrorism as the biggest challenge.
The US values Canada's military contributions, including in the Global Coalition to Counter-ISIS and in Latvia, said the joint statement which among other things emphasised on economic partnership, and energy security and environment.
No two countries share deeper or broader relations than Canada and the United States, the joint statement said, adding that the two countries are bound together by their history, values, economy, environment, and their resolve to improve the lives of its citizens.
"Our close relationship and ongoing collaboration allow us to successfully meet any challenges we may face over the coming years, and to build a prosperous future for the people of both countries," he said.
According to the joint statement, the US and Canada recognise the importance of cooperation to promote economic growth, provide benefits to consumers and businesses, and advance free and fair trade.
"We will continue our dialogue on regulatory issues and pursue shared regulatory outcomes that are business-friendly, reduce costs, and increase economic efficiency without compromising health, safety, and environmental standards.
"We will work together regarding labour mobility in various economic sectors," it said.
"Given our shared focus on infrastructure investments, we will encourage opportunities for companies in both countries to create jobs through those investments.
"In particular, we look forward to the expeditious completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will serve as a vital economic link between our two countries," the joint statement said.
The two leaders said US-Canada energy and environmental cooperation are inextricably linked, and are committed to further improving their ties in those areas.
"We have built the world's largest energy trading relationship. We share the goals of energy security, a robust and secure energy grid, and a strong and resilient energy infrastructure that contributes to energy efficiency in both countries," it said.
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