Prime Minister Trudeau Meets with U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries at NATO Summit

Washington, D.C., – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the United States House of Representatives Minority Leader and Leader of the House Democratic Caucus, Hakeem Jeffries, on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. This meeting underscored the enduring importance of the Canada-United States relationship.

Both leaders reaffirmed the strength of their bilateral ties, which are bolstered by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). They expressed their ongoing commitment to work collaboratively to create and sustain middle-class jobs across both nations.

An inspiring meeting today as #TeamCanada engages in constructive dialogue with @RepJeffries on the vital importance of bipartisanship. In an era where collaboration transcends borders, we’re committed to fostering unity and progress for all. Together, we can achieve great things pic.twitter.com/OyWuXr7EH6

— Vance Badawey (@VBadawey) July 9, 2024

A focal point of their discussion was the development and governance of artificial intelligence (AI). Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized Canada’s dedication to AI innovation, citing more than $2 billion in federal investments since 2017 and a recent $2.4 billion package to secure Canada’s competitive edge in AI for future generations. Both leaders acknowledged the necessity of ensuring that the benefits of AI are widely shared and agreed on the importance of international collaboration in developing global AI standards.

The meeting also covered the critical issue of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his firm condemnation of the war and highlighted the importance of continued, sustainable support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Trudeau and Jeffries agreed to maintain close communication and continue collaborating on key issues affecting both Canadians and Americans. This meeting marks another step in strengthening the cooperative efforts between the two countries in addressing global challenges and fostering economic growth.