Canada has welcomed European Union offer to become its first historic associate member.
According to DW, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was addressing the European Parliament on Thursday, September 17, in a speech that focused on Canada's and the European Union's shared security and economic interests.
In an address in which Carney spoke in English, French and German, the Canadian prime minister lauded European culture and values of democracy, freedom and human rights, which he said Canada shares.
"We are not fair-weather allies. We do not pursue zero-sum deals. Our commitment to the rule of law, and our unyielding defense of human dignity, individual freedom and democracy share the same deep roots, the same unwavering dedication," the Canadian leader told the chamber, to applause.
Europe and Canada are 'stronger together'
"We hold common values for which we have always fought and in whose defense we must always remain vigilant," he said.
Carney also said his country "welcomes" the "ambition" of the EU's proposal of an "associated membership," adding, "Europe and Canada are even stronger together."
"I am not proposing a third bloc in order to become a great-power rival, only with better manners. We do not seek power to dominate others. The objective is not self-sufficiency, it's collective resilience", Carney continued.
His speech to European lawmakers comes as the EU and Canada look to strengthen their ties amid a growing rift between Canada and its southern neighbor and main trading partner, the US.
Ties between Canada and the US have hit a historic low in recent months, with the North American neighbors locked in an escalating trade war since Carney and US President Donald Trump failed to agree on a deal this summer.
This came after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday, said the EU was willing to make Canada its first-ever "associate member," days after the Wall Street Journal reported that Carney was exploring an "associate membership" with the bloc, a position that does not currently exist.
