A TINY Canadian community in northwestern B.C. which borders a tiny Alaskan one received a nod from American President Barack Obama today as he welcomed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House.
In prepared remarks, Obama spoke warmly of the close friendship between the two countries emphasized by the closeness of communties along the border.
“Up in Hyder, Alaska folks head across the border to celebrate Canada Day and folks in Stewart, British Columbia come across for the Fourth of July,” said Obama in citing a series of similar ties and activities between communities along the border of Canada and the United States.
“We affirm that Americans and Canadians will always be there for each other,” added Obama.
Trudeau added to the occasion by thanking Obama for using his influence to bring warm weather for the welcome.
“There is no relationship in the world like the Canada-United States relationship,” he said.
The visit by Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and their three children continues tonight with a State Dinner at the White House.
The two leaders also discussed business with both being confident of a renewed softwood lumber export agreement which is due to terminate this October.
They also said their respective officials were working on ways to increase border access without compromising security, an important consideration given the $1.7 billion a day in trade between Canada and the United States.
Both Trudeau and Obama noted that citizens in each country depend upon trade for their livelihoods.
Obama also noted Canada's role in fighting international terrorism.