“The leaders agreed on the importance of Canada and the United States working together- as independent, sovereign nations for their mutual betterment,” the statement said.

To that end, the leaders agreed to meet in person in the near future."

The White House, however, signalled that Mr. Trump’s campaign to absorb Canada will continue.

In a statement issued Tuesday, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the Canadian election “does not affect President Trump’s plan to make Canada America’s cherished 51st state.”