Toronto: Mark Carney, the next Prime Minister of Canada, stated on Wednesday that he is ready to meet with President Donald Trump if he respects Canadian sovereignty and is open to discussing a common approach to trade.

Trump announced a trade war against his northern neighbor and continued to demand the annexation of Canada as American state number 51, which angered Canadians. He also threatened to resort to economic coercion in his annexation threats, and on Tuesday considered the border between the two countries merely an imaginary line.

Carney said: “I am ready to sit down with President Trump at the right time, provided there is respect for Canadian sovereignty and that we work together on a more comprehensive and common approach to trade.”

Carney, who is set to be officially sworn in tomorrow, Friday, along with his new government, spoke to reporters during a visit to a steel factory in Hamilton, Ontario, after Trump officially announced a 25% increase in tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. Canada is the largest foreign supplier of steel and aluminum to the United States.

Carney emphasized that workers in both countries will be better off when they “renew and relaunch the greatest economic and security partnership in the world. This is possible.”

He also noted that he respects Trump's concerns regarding American workers and the fentanyl issue.

He concluded his remarks by saying: “Today is a difficult day for Canada and for the industry due to these unjustified tariffs that have been imposed.”