Justin Trudeau he looked forward to working with US President-elect Donald Trump
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday he looked forward to working with US President-elect Donald Trump on "concrete actions and proposals" once he takes office in January.
"There were a lot of things said during the election campaign and during the transition," Trudeau told reporters. "Our government needs to respond to concrete actions and proposals."
Following his election November 8, Trump received a congratulatory call from Trudeau, who said they had a "positive conversation."
Trump will succeed Democratic President Barack Obama on January 20.
Speaking to Canada's public broadcaster late Thursday, the prime minister said the incoming Republican US president, a property tycoon, left a positive impression on him.
"This is a guy who is very, very good, very nice on the phone, is a deal maker, a businessman," Trudeau told Radio-Canada.
He also said he remained optimistic that the two nations, which appear to be diverging on climate change, can actually come together to cut global greenhouse gas emissions.
"The reality is that (US) states, municipalities, and companies understand the need to reduce CO2 emissions," Trudeau commented.
"I believe Mr. Trump is a businessman who will do what is in the interest of his citizens, which is to create the jobs of tomorrow, invest in renewable energy and move beyond fossil fuels," he said.
Trudeau also said Trump committed to visiting Canada on his first official foreign trip as president likely in February or March, following a tradition established by Republican Ronald Reagan in 1981.
George W. Bush, the previous Republican president, made an exception when he chose to go to Mexico instead.