Mark Carney offered rare insight into his relationship with Donald Trump during a question-and-answer event in Sydney, saying it is not easy to deal with the U.S. president and that he has to be very careful with his words.
Carney said Trump is different in private than he is in public and is open to hearing ideas during face-to-face meetings. Still, he admitted the relationship can be challenging.
“Respect but not obsequiousness,” Carney said, explaining how he handles talks with Trump. He added that Trump was duly elected and is a successful politician, but said leaders must avoid making public comments they cannot stand behind.
Carney’s remarks come days after he supported U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear program, while also saying Canada wants a diplomatic solution. He said Canada’s position was based on concerns about Iran’s nuclear threat and support for terrorism, not an attempt to gain favour with the United States.
