Trump and  Carney Discussed Trade Deal at G7 Summit: 'We Can Do It'

KANANASKIS, Alberta — U.S. President Donald Trump says he believes a trade deal with Canada is possible, despite differences with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

"Our main focus is trade. I'm confident we can come to an agreement," Trump said before meeting with Carney at the G7 summit.

The talks took place amid a trade dispute over U.S. tariffs. Despite their differences, the leaders showed cautious optimism. "I'm a tariff guy. It's simple and it works. Mark's approach is more complicated, but it works," Trump said.

Carney congratulated Trump on his 79th birthday and noted the importance of American leadership in the G7, which turned 50 this year. He later said, "We don't always agree, but we have to work together when we face global threats."

Canadian Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Ambassador to the United States Kirsten Hillman said talks with Washington had accelerated. Although details of the discussions are being kept secret, the parties agreed to continue the dialogue until the end of the week. “We are moving toward an agreement that is beneficial to both countries, but we are not there yet,” LeBlanc said.

Hillman added that the American side has begun to better understand Canada’s position: “We believe that tariffs are detrimental to both Canada and the United States.”

Reporters were particularly interested in whether Trump had discussed the idea of ​​turning Canada into a U.S. state, but Hillman and LeBlanc declined to comment.

The leaders discuss global economic risks and how to jointly respond.