Harris speaks with Trudeau in first call with foreign leader as VP

Vice President Harris on Monday spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin TrudeauJustin Pierre James TrudeauHarris speaks with Trudeau in first call with foreign leader as VP Trudeau announces new restrictions on international travel to Canada Blinken holds first calls as Biden’s secretary of State MORE in her first call with a foreign leader since being sworn in as vice president.

The two spoke about addressing the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, among other issues, according to a readout from Harris’s office. Harris also offered support for two Canadian citizens who have been detained by China.

A readout from Trudeau’s office indicated the two leaders also discussed bilateral trade issues “and avoiding the unintended consequences of Buy America policies, for the benefit of people in both countries.”

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President Biden last week announced an executive order aimed at strengthening “buy American” policies that require foreign agencies to procure goods and services from U.S.-based companies.

Biden’s first call to a foreign leader upon taking office last month was also to Trudeau. 

The Biden administration sparked tensions with Canada almost immediately upon taking office after the president revoked a key permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, a 1,200-mile pipeline that carried oil from Canada to the U.S. and was opposed by several environmental and indigenous groups.

Trudeau said following his call with Biden that the two planned to hold a bilateral meeting in the near future, though it’s unclear if it will be in person or virtual.

“Both the Prime Minister and Vice President looked forward to the upcoming bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden,” Monday’s readout from Trudeau’s office said.