Macron and Carney meet in French territory

French president Emmanuel Macron and Canadian prime minister Mark Carney met in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, a French territory off Newfoundland, on Sunday to pledge stronger relations.

Trump's map sparks the diplomatic visit

The meeting came weeks after Donald Trump posted an image showing Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Mexico and the Caribbean covered by a US flag labelled United States of America.

Leaders cite climate and democracy threats

Carney said societies face upheavals from climate change, erosion of democratic norms and threats to sovereignty. Macron agreed to forge closer ties in space, climate and energy sectors.

“Our societies are being shaken by new storms: the upheavals, caused by climate change, the erosion of democratic norms, and new threats to our sovereignty.”

Canada seeks EU ties amid US trade war

Ottawa has been seeking closer relations with the EU as an increasingly acrimonious trade war with the US intensifies. The two leaders discussed Canada becoming the EU's first associate member.

France wants Canadian liquefied natural gas

Macron said Canadian liquefied natural gas projects are important for Europe. Paris hopes Canada will broaden exports to Europe rather than primarily to Asia.

“Canadian liquefied natural gas projects can help. They are important for Europe.”

EU ratification remains a major hurdle

More than a decade after the EU and Canada agreed to the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, several EU member states including France have yet to ratify it.