Unlike Trudeau, Canadian New PM Is Ready To Be 'Friendly' With Trump

JAKARTA - Canadian new Prime Minister Mark Carney insists he can cooperate with US President Donald Trump, who imposes import rates that could destroy Canada's economy.

Carney replaces Justin Trudeau who has an aggressive and often cold relationship with Trump. Carney, 59, insists his approach will be different.

"We respect President Trump - President Trump has put some very important issues at the top of his agenda. We understand his agenda," he told reporters after being sworn in.

"In many ways, some of my experience overlaps with President Trump's experience - we both care about our country. However, he knows, and I know from a long experience that we can find joint solutions that benefit both parties," he said.

Carney, who has not planned to speak with the US president soon, also said the Trump administration's talks about Canada's annexation were "crazy".

He reshuffled his 24-member cabinet with the aim of coordinating with Washington, cutting nearly half of the ministerial positions he inherited from Trudeau.

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc moved to international trade affairs and was replaced by current Minister of Innovation Francois-Philippemen.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly remains in office.

The next election must be held no later than October 20 and the Liberal Party will face opposition Conservative Party, which has long campaigned against Trudeau's carbon-consumer tax.

Carney, who vowed to abolish the measure, signed an order to remove it during his first cabinet meeting.

"This will make the difference for Canadians who are under pressure," he told the cabinet.

Carney's appointment is the pinnacle of an important career for a man who became the first Canadian prime minister without serious political experience.

Carney said he would visit London and Paris next week.

Canada has been working to strengthen alliances in Europe as relations with the United States worsen.