Carney: Trump territorial expansion isn't 'ever going to happen'

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in an interview this week that President Trump’s ambitions for territorial expansion will “never” happen under his leadership.

Speaking to the BBC as polls were closing amid Canada's election this week, Carney stressed the importance of mutual respect between the neighboring nations before they meet to discuss the nature of the partnership going forward.

“I would distinguish between what the president wants and what the president expects. Yes, he has this view of... his territorial views. That's never, ever going to happen with respect to Canada,” Carney said, referring to Trump's frequent musings about the U.S.'s northern neighbor becoming the 51st state.

The prime minister continued, “Frankly, I don't think it's ever going to happen with respect to any other of — whether it's Panama or Greenland or elsewhere — so the question is, when are we ready to have that discussion?”

Trump's foreign policy agenda has also included retaking control of the Panama Canal and acquiring the Danish territory of Greenland.

On whether he plans to visit with the U.S. president, Carney said, “It depends.”

“I've been to Washington. I've been to the White House. I've seen it. I've seen all the monuments. I've been to Florida even,” the newly-elected leader continued. “So, I'm not going as a tourist. I'll go when there's a serious discussion to be had.”

The BBC reported that, since the interview, Carney’s office said the two leaders have spoken and agreed to meet in the near future.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

The Canadian leader expressed an openness to building a strong economic and security relationship with the U.S. but said Canada is exploring other trade opportunities and that any partnership would be on Ottawa's terms.

“We'll have a partnership on our terms," he said. "There's a win-win possibility there, but on our terms, not on their terms."