Macron, Carney pledge closer ties in Atlantic island meeting amid strains with Trump

French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged closer ties during a meeting in the French Atlantic territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon on Sunday. The leaders discussed grappling with geopolitical tensions, climate change, and the erosion of democratic values.

This visit, the first by a French president since 2014 and the first by a Canadian prime minister, came just weeks after US President Donald Trump posted an image showing Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, along with other North American countries, under the US flag. The image had sparked diplomatic reactions.

Carney, in a joint statement with Macron, emphasized the need to strengthen ties, citing challenges like climate change, erosion of democratic norms, and sovereignty threats. Macron added that the two allies agreed to collaborate in sectors such as space, climate, energy, and trade.

Diplomats noted the symbolic significance of Macron's visit, given Trump's social media post that depicted the US flag over North America, including the French territories. Macron dismissed concerns about the territories' French status, highlighting their strategic importance for France, particularly regarding its relationship with the US and the Arctic.

The talks opened doors for concrete bilateral agreements, particularly in energy. Macron urged Canada to expand its liquefied natural gas exports to Europe instead of primarily to Asia. He also expressed support for Canada's bid to become the EU's first associate member, although this move is likely to face ratification hurdles from several EU member states, including France.