(Ottawa) US President Joe Biden paid tribute on Tuesday to his “friend”, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the day after the announcement of his resignation, saying that “the world is better because of him”.
In a statement released in the morning, Mr. Biden said that he had spoken to the outgoing Prime Minister the day before to convey “his appreciation for their partnership over the years.”
Mr. Biden was full of praise for the prime minister, saying he had led the country with “commitment, optimism and strategic vision.”
He recalled that they had faced several challenges together, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the fight against climate change and the spread of fentanyl.
Mr. Biden said he was “proud to call him a friend and would always be grateful for his collaboration and leadership.”
The alliance between the United States and Canada is stronger because of him. The American and Canadian people are safer because of him. And the world is better off because of him.
Joe Biden on Justin Trudeau
Democrat Joe Biden came to power in 2021, halfway through the reign of Prime Minister Trudeau, who had led Canada since 2015. Relations between the two politicians appeared warmer than with the previous administration of Republican Donald Trump, which had been marked by the imposition of tariffs and the difficult renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Mr. Trudeau also had good relations with Mr. Trump’s predecessor, Democrat Barack Obama, of whom Joe Biden was vice-president. Mr. Obama had not yet reacted to Mr. Trudeau’s resignation Tuesday morning.
Joe Biden will cede power in a few days to Donald Trump, a mandate which already promises to be eventful with the threat of tariffs weighing on Canada and Mexico.
Justin Trudeau announced Monday that he would resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party as soon as he has a successor.
