ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended his congratulations to Canada’s newly sworn-in leader, Mark Carney, on assuming office.
Carney took the oath as Canada’s prime minister on Friday, stepping into leadership amid strained US-Canada relations following President Donald Trump’s return to power.
In a message on X, PM Shehbaz expressed his well wishes for Carney’s tenure and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Canada.
“I congratulate Mr. Mark Carney on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Canada. Wishing him a successful tenure in office and looking forward to working together to enhance Pakistan-Canada relations in all spheres,” the premier wrote.
Carney’s appointment comes after the ruling Liberal Party overwhelmingly endorsed him as the successor to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His extensive experience as the former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England played a crucial role in his selection, as Canada navigates economic challenges and a potential trade war with the United States.
Addressing reporters before his swearing-in, Carney emphasized his readiness to tackle national and global challenges. “We’re going to get right to work,” he said, confirming that the first cabinet meeting would take place shortly after the ceremony. Diplomatic sources indicate his first official foreign visit as prime minister will be to Europe next week.
Despite being a political newcomer with no prior elected office experience, Carney is expected to face an early test with an anticipated general election in the coming weeks. His leadership is likely to focus on mitigating economic instability and addressing threats posed by shifting US policies.
President Trump has imposed extensive import tariffs on Canada, threatening further restrictions and questioning the country’s economic viability. Carney has described these tensions as one of Canada’s most significant challenges in a generation. “Everything in my life has prepared me for this moment,” he said following his leadership victory within the Liberal Party.
His new cabinet, streamlined from Justin Trudeau’s 36-member team to 23 ministers, retains key figures managing US relations, including Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc. Defense Minister Bill Blair will also continue in his role.
Ahead of Carney’s formal discussions with the US, Foreign Minister Joly, speaking at a G7 meeting in Quebec, indicated efforts were underway to arrange a call between President Trump and the new Canadian leader in the coming days.
