Canada's PM Mark Carney says US President Donald Trump is "willing to negotiate" a new trade deal and drop the tariffs following "wide-ranging discussions" at the White House
He adds that Canada and the US are stronger when they work together – but notes Ottawa will work on reinforcing "strength at home" to cope with an increasingly divided world
The Canadian PM says he feels better about Trump's "positioning" towards Canada after their meeting
Carney navigated the meeting with diplomacy and tact – and avoided a "dust up" in the Oval Office, writes the BBC's Bernd Debusmann Jr from the White House
Carney visits Trump: Key moments from the high-stakes encounter
Image source, Getty ImagesAfter some diversion, Trump says "think of us as a super luxury store" while talking about international trade.
He says other countries will come and a pay a price, and the US will give them "very good deals".
Trump again mentions the "great announcement" he earlier suggested would be coming in the next few days.
He brings it up while talking about tariffs but says he doesn't necessarily want us to think it's about trade.
Trump is asked about China.
He says the leadership "want to meet" and they are doing "no business right now" - with ships "turning around in the Pacific Ocean".
He adds their economy is "suffering greatly" due to the tariffs he has brought in.
Trump says Carney insisting Canada is not for sale will not impact discussions the pair have today.
He then adds that "only time will tell" and "never say never".
"We'll see, over time what happens," Trump says.
Trump is now speaking about tariffs.
He says both the US and Canada want to protect their own vehicle industries, and adds that the US has "tremendous amounts of energy".
He says Canada has its own energy too, saying they are "very lucky".
"Canada and us have a lot of advantages over other places," he adds.
Bernd Debusmann Jr
Reporting from the White House
Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesAs we just reported, Trump was asked the question many had been waiting for: on his previous remarks that Canada could become the 51st US state.
"It takes two to tango," he said. "But we're not going to be discussing that unless someone wants to discuss it."
President Trump also rattled off a long list of benefits that he believes Canadians would receive.
Carney's response was measured and careful.
"As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale," he said. "We're sitting in one now...it's not for sale. It won't be for sale."
Even as the two moved to swiftly change the subject, Trump sniped: "Never say never."
From the perspective of Canada's government, that was as diplomatic and effective a response as could have been hoped for - and one that was likely discussed and rehearsed over and over ahead of the visit.
Trump says Canada is stepping up its military and participation in the Nato military alliance.
On statehood, though, he said "never say never".
Trump stands behind 51st state comment, Carney says 'not for sale'
"Some places are never for sale," Carney hits back.
He says he met with the "owners" of Canada throughout the recent election campaign, adding "it won't be for sale ever".
However, Carney refers to "opportunity" within partnership and what the two countries can build together.
Trump says he has a lot of respect for Canadians, adding that members of his mother's family lived there.
"Canada is a very special place," he says.
He says he stands by his comments to make Canada the US's 51st state.
In response to a reporter's question, he says statehood would mean free military and a massive tax cut for Canadians.
He says the US is "protecting" Canada and says the countries would have a "wonderful marriage".
Bernd Debusmann Jr
Reporting from the White House
Image source, AFP via Getty ImagesDespite tensions between the US and Canada, the start to this meeting has been nothing if not cordial, with Trump all praise for his Canadian counterpart.
Trump began by repeatedly congratulating Carney of for a "great" electoral race and an "excellent" debate performance.
"We have a lot of things in common," Trump said. "We have some tough, tough points to go over, and that'll be fine."
Carney, for his part, was careful to note that that the two would find areas of "mutual cooperation".
So far, so good from the Canadian perspective as Carney walks a fine line.
Trump takes over, saying he has a "lot of respect" for Carney.
He says he ran a "really great campaign" and had a "great debate".
"I was going to raise my hand," the US president jokes, but adds that maybe he shouldn't say that as it could hurt Carney.
History shows that Canada and the US are "stronger when we work together", Carney continues.
He says they have a lot of issues to work on together, and it is important to find "those areas of mutual cooperation".
Carney is speaking now. He, too, starts by praising Trump.
He applauds Trump for securing borders, working to stop the flow of fentanyl and prioritising the American worker.
"You're a transformational president," Carney says.
Trump now turns to his upcoming trip to the Middle East.
He says he there will be a "very big announcement" before that trip takes place on Monday, but he won't say on what subject.
Trump says he and Carney have some "tough topics" to cover.
He then turns to speaking about the Houthis and says the group has told his administration that they don't want to fight anymore.
"We will honour that," Trump says, adding that it will "stop the bombings".
"We will take their word, they say they will not be blowing up ships anymore," he says.
Trump says Houthis told administration they 'don't want to fight anymore'
Trump calls Carney's election victory one of the greatest wins in the history of politics, "perhaps even greater than mine".
He then points out the "new and improved" Oval Office to the Canadian PM, which he says has been worked on "with love".
Image source, Getty ImagesTrump and Carney are are now inside the Oval Office, along with key members of both of their leadership teams.
Trump kicks off the bilateral meeting by praising Carney, saying it's an honour to have him after he won a "very big election".
Now both inside the White House, Mark Carney and Donald Trump will shortly hold talks in the Oval Office in front of the media.
As Carney's arrival was delayed by around 25 minutes, its not clear what time this part of their meeting will begin.
We'll let you know when we have a clearer idea. Tap watch live above to follow the talks when they get going.
Image source, Getty ImagesAs Trump and Carney smile for the cameras, reporters shout out questions.
One asks if they are close to a trade deal - but neither addresses the media.
Trump just raises his fist before ushering Carney inside.
Mark Carney has just stepped out of his vehicle outside the entrance to the White House, where he's met by Donald Trump.
The two shake hands and turn to face the assembled press.