White House Confirms First State Visit To Canada By U.S. President Joe Biden In March

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For the first time in over six-and-a-half years, Canada will host a state visit by the President of the United States.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed he’ll travel to Canada in March for a visit — but no further details are available on when or where that trip may take place.

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The visit was confirmed in the very last line of a statement issued early Tuesday afternoon by the White House, detailing a conversation between Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — their first bilateral meeting.

Both leaders are in Mexico City for the so-called “Three Amigos” North American Leader’s Summit with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. 

Trudeau arrived in Mexico City on Monday for a three-day visit.

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According to the readout, the two leaders discussed economic competitiveness, climate change, security and defence, and worldwide unrest.

“The two leaders discussed their commitments to take bold action to combat climate change and transform North America into a clean energy powerhouse,” the statement from the White House read.

“President Biden recognized Prime Minister Trudeau for taking decisive steps to promote global energy security.”

The two also discussed continental defence, membership in the NORAD and NATO strategic alliances, and both nations’ commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russia’s nearly year-long invasion.

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“They reaffirmed their commitment to stand up for our shared values around the world, including supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia’s brutal aggression,” the statement read.

“President Biden thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for Canada’s partnership in providing security, economic, and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine. 

A briefing note released by the White House said the summit’s goal was to “promote a common vision for North America.”

Biden’s upcoming visit will be his first official visit to Canada since becoming president, and the first state visit by a U.S. president since Barack Obama’s June 2016 trip to Ottawa, where he addressed parliament.

Former president Donald Trump made no state visits to Canada, only attending the 44th G7 Summit in La Malbaie, Quebec, in June 2018.

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