WASHINGTON, Sept 22, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - US President Joe Biden on Tuesday
spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to congratulate him on his
Liberal Party's election win, the White House said.

   The two leaders "underscored the strong and deep friendship between the
United States and Canada," according to a statement.

   They also discussed "their shared commitment to strengthening the
resilience and competitiveness" of their economies and coordinating their
pandemic response.

   Trudeau's Liberals won Monday's snap election, but failed after a hard-
pressed campaign to gain an absolute majority in parliament. A statement from
Trudeau's office said the two North American leaders "reiterated the
importance of the mutually beneficial Canada-US partnership for the security
and prosperity of both countries" and "committed to getting together in
person soon" to discuss bilateral cooperation.

   Trudeau and Biden also "discussed China's arbitrary detention of Canadian
citizens Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig," the statement added.

   Days before Canadians went to the polls, Trudeau received an endorsement
from former US President Barack Obama, who tweeted: "Justin has been an
effective leader and strong voice for democratic values."