United States President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed to hold an in-person meeting in the near future, according to a statement released by Carney’s office on Tuesday. The agreement followed a phone conversation between the two leaders, marking a potential turning point in recent cross-border tensions.

During the call, President Trump congratulated Prime Minister Carney on his recent election victory. Both leaders emphasized the importance of Canada and the United States continuing to work together as “independent, sovereign nations” for the mutual benefit of both countries.

“To that end, the leaders agreed to meet in person in the near future,” the statement read, suggesting an effort to reset or reinforce diplomatic relations amid growing complexity in the bilateral relationship.

The announcement comes as tensions between the two neighbors have escalated in the context of a trade war. President Trump has previously suggested that there would be “zero tariffs” between the two countries if Canada were to become the 51st U.S. state, a proposal that drew criticism in Canada and fueled sovereignty-related debate.

Prime Minister Carney has responded firmly to such overtures, asserting that Canada has “many other options” aside from relying on Washington. His comments reflect a broader effort to position Canada as globally autonomous in trade and diplomatic decision-making.

Despite their differing visions, the upcoming face-to-face meeting signals a willingness on both sides to engage in dialogue and possibly reduce friction. The encounter could provide a venue to discuss mutual interests, reexamine existing trade arrangements, and affirm shared values between the long-standing allies.

As the date of the meeting remains unspecified, attention will now turn to how both leaders navigate sensitive issues such as trade barriers, national sovereignty, and economic integration going forward. The coming weeks may offer clearer signals on the future trajectory of U.S.-Canada relations.