On February 13, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and American President Donald Trump met at the White House in Washington DC. As one of the first foreign leaders that Trump has met as President, Trudeau made the trip partly to calm the nerves of many Canadians regarding Trump’s politics. Though it is an important economy in its own right, the Canadian economy is largely dependent on American economic policy, even to the extent that experts say that almost $2 billion flows between the countries every day.

Regardless of where one stands on Trump, it is undeniable that he is an unconventional politician, and unfamiliarity usually makes people nervous. President Trump and PM Trudeau shared a series of meetings, an awkward handshake, and a joint press conference.

Both heads of state emphasized a strong and mutually beneficial US-Canada relationship, despite their very different opinions on issues such as Syrian refugees. President Trump said in the press conference that, “America is deeply fortunate to have a neighbor like Canada.” It is undeniable that an amicable relationship between the two nations would be ideal, and there is reason to hope to see one continue in the future.