(MENAFN) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "turning point" in relations, noting that sensitive issues such as foreign interference were raised during discussions, according to reports.

Relations between Canada and China have been particularly strained, yet both countries are affected by ongoing US tariffs, even after Xi and US President Donald Trump agreed on Thursday to ease trade tensions. The meeting marked the first formal leaders’ talks between Canada and China since 2017.

Carney told journalists, "We have now unlocked a path forward to address current issues," adding, "Our overall discussion was constructive." He also accepted Xi’s invitation to visit China "in the new year."

He emphasized coordination between officials, saying, "I directed our ministers and officials to work together to find solutions to current challenges and to identify areas for cooperation and growth."

The talks follow Trump’s recent imposition of an additional 10 percent tariff on Canadian goods and the suspension of all trade negotiations, triggered by what he described as a "fake" anti-tariff advertisement featuring former US President Ronald Reagan. Carney confirmed he had apologized to Trump for the ad, saying, "I did apologise to the president. The president was offended."

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