Trudeau-Obama meet at APEC summit in Manila

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just completed his first official meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday at the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation leaders’ summit in Manila.

“I know Justin has to agree with what’s happened but we think that after that process has taken place Canada, the United States and the other countries that are here can establish the high standards agreement that protects labour, protects the environment, protects the kind of high value-added goods and services that we both excel in”, Obama said.

Trudeau has repeatedly said he wants to consult with Canadians and Parliament before moving forward on the massive 12-country Pacific Rim trade pact.

But Obama put the squeeze on Trudeau on a key trade issue. He says he hopes Trudeau will visit the White House early next year.

Obama said the 43-year-old prime minister will provide “energy and reform” to the Canadian political landscape.

In a press briefing, Trudeau said that he has been made aware of the situation, and he was also told that a Canadian solution is in the process of being developed.

There was no animosity in sight over Obama’s decision earlier this month to reject the Keystone XL pipeline project.

The two leaders, who smiled and looked relaxed during their appearance, said they agreed on the need to do more to protect the environment and also on the importance of the U.S.-led campaign against Islamic State.

“My expectation is that Canada will be going through these same debates just as we do”.

Trudeau’s Liberals won power during elections last month with proposals to increase infrastructure spending and taxes on the wealthy, policies that have also been endorsed by the Obama administration.

“We have always had a sense of urgency about the need to defeat ISIL”, Obama said, saying the coalition, including Canada, has exerted steady pressure on the group.

Mr Trudeau’s campaign promise to end airstrikes on Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria is being questioned after the deadly attacks in Paris.

“I made a clear commitment to Canadians to withdraw the six fighter jets”, Trudeau said.

“Training is something we do very, very well and that’s something we’re looking to be very helpful to other members of the coalition with to make sure Canada is doing more than its part in the war against [IS]”, Mr Trudeau said.

Trudeau said while travelling from Turkey to Manila that one of his priorities would be to talk about “a proper continental approach” in North America.