Pompeo, Canadian PM emphasize strong economic ties, including USMCA

WASHINGTON, Aug 23 (KUNA) -- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Thursday in Ottawa with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during which they emphasized the "strong" bilateral relationship and economic ties between the two countries, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a statement that Pompeo stressed the US' "unwavering commitment to NATO and the importance of allies meeting their defense investment commitments." They also discussed "the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela," during which Pompeo expressed "appreciation for Canada's consistent support to international efforts to maintain pressure on the Maduro regime." Pompeo also reiterated "his continued concern about the ongoing detention of Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in China." Meanwhile, Pompeo said in a tweet that the USMCA "will ensure North America as a whole remains the world's economic powerhouse." He noted that he "emphasized this in my meeting with business leaders today. USMCA will serve as a model for the United States and others around the world." In a separate tweet, he said "great visiting Canada today. Our relationship is one of the world's closest and most extensive. Our work together to address challenges and confront threats is vital to our mutual national security interests and to protecting our people around the world." (end) si.rk