Update | Trudeau and Trump, political polar opposites, seek common ground for Canada-US ties

President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stressed their commitment to working together after their first face-to-face meeting.

The neighbouring leaders, polar opposites in nearly every way, were taking up the thorny subject of trade Monday, with Trudeau eager to build a relationship with the new US president.

At a joint press conference after a series of meetings, the two emphasised their shared goals. Trump pledged to work with Canada “in pursuit of our many shared interests.” Trudeau spoke of a special bond and the “deep abiding respect” between the two countries, though he also said that “relationships between neighbours are pretty complex.”

Trump greeted Trudeau with a firm handshake as he arrived at the White House on a blustery morning. The two posed silently before reporters, until Trump suggested they shake hands for the cameras. Trudeau did bring a personal gift — a photo of Trump with Trudeau’s father, the late Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

Trump said he knew and respected Pierre Trudeau and would keep the photo in a “very special place.”

Trump said in a tweet:

At a roundtable discussion with female executives from the United States and Canada, Trump and Trudeau announced a task force focused on women in the workforce. Trump said it was important to ensure the economy is a place where “women can work and thrive.” Trudeau stressed that women have had to overcome barriers to succeed in business.