Trump's remarks on Canadian and French territories prompt Macron and Canada’s prime minister to reaffirm bilateral ties
French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to strengthen bilateral relations on Sunday, making the statement during a joint visit to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, France’s overseas territory located in the Atlantic Ocean east of Canada. The leaders’ meeting comes amid heightened tensions between both nations and the United States. At a joint press conference, Macron stated: “We all believe our countries are two great independent nations, and we wish to preserve this independence.”
According to Reuters, diplomats noted the symbolic significance of Macron’s visit to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon ahead of his upcoming trip to New York for the UN General Assembly. This follows former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent post on social media, which featured an image of the American flag draped over a map encompassing the United States, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean—labeled as the “United States of America.” The map includes Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, as well as other French territories in the Caribbean.
In response to questions about Trump’s post, Macron dismissed claims that these territories might not belong to France, asserting that he sees no need to repeatedly affirm this fact simply because “someone holds odd or outlandish views.”
For France, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon hold strategic importance due to their proximity to North America and the Arctic region.
Carney said it is now imperative to deepen ties with France and the European Union. His previous visit to Brussels had resulted in the EU granting Canada a “near-member” status.
Earlier on Sunday, Macron greeted Carney at the airport—the first time a Canadian prime minister has visited the territory—where they exchanged warm handshakes and prolonged embraces under bright sunlight.
“In a world marked by crises, our friendship is a source of strength,” Macron wrote on the social platform X, sharing a video of his welcome gesture.
“We reaffirm our sovereignty, our freedom to make autonomous decisions, and our shared commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous future,” he added.
Carney also posted a video of their meeting on his X account, writing in both English and French: “Great to see you, my friend.”
AFP described the visit as highly symbolic.
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon remain France’s sole remaining territory in North America and stand as a remnant of Paris’s once-extensive holdings across what is now Canada and the United States.
Macron believes Trump’s second term further validates his long-standing argument: Europe must strengthen its sovereignty, particularly in matters of security.
Carney, already engaged in escalating disputes with Trump—who has threatened to annex Canada—is receptive to proposals for Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member.”
He described his country as “the most European among non-European nations.”
Trump has repeatedly suggested making Canada the 51st U.S. state—a proposal firmly rejected by Ottawa.
Before the meeting, the French presidential office stated that the joint visit aimed to underscore shared values between Canada and France: freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for national sovereignty.
This message was clearly conveyed during Sunday’s joint press conference.
“We all uphold democracy, the rule of law, support fair and free trade, base decisions on science, and defend strategic autonomy,” Macron said.
He added: “It is precisely these principles that bind Canada and France—and Canada and the EU—together.”
Carney affirmed: “Now is the time to strengthen Canada’s ties with France and the European Union—ties rooted in our common values.”
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are among several strategically significant overseas territories maintained by France around the globe.
Macron’s three-day visit to the archipelago, home to fewer than 6,000 people and situated near New Zealand, marks the first time a French president has visited the territory in over a decade.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1876898125304832/
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