In a closed-door meeting in Washington, Marco Rubio and Anita Anand discussed ways to strengthen coordination between the United States and Canada on shared security, economic and regional priorities.
The meeting on Thursday also addressed cooperation between the two countries within the Standing Group of Partners in Haiti, alongside areas of collaboration across the Western Hemisphere.
Haiti and regional security
The agenda included emergency earthquake assistance to Venezuela, Arctic security and joint efforts to combat online fraud centers.
Anita Anand said support for Haiti-led initiatives to address the security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti and restore stability had been reaffirmed. She said that support would continue, including through the Gang Suppression Force authorized by the United Nations.
Anand also stressed the importance of U.S.-Canada cooperation against cross-border fraud and fraud centers. She highlighted Canada’s Arctic foreign policy, investments in continental security and contributions to NATO’s collective defense.
Cuba and trade relations
Marco Rubio stressed the need for “urgent, significant and irreversible reforms” in Cuba.
The meeting took place after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had paused the planned 50 percent tariff on Canadian goods as midnight approached.
Anand said constructive engagement would continue to strengthen trade relations between the two countries. She said the sides had agreed to meet again under the United Nations framework in September.