Canada’s Prime Minister Trudeau says that safeguarding independence is his main focus in discussions with King Charles.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that his main focus during discussions with King Charles on Monday will be safeguarding his nation’s sovereignty following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to turn Canada into the 51st U.S. state.

Trudeau stated that nothing holds greater significance for his citizens than “defending our sovereignty and our independence” as he prepared for the meeting with Charles, Canada’s head of state. Last week, Charles extended an invitation to Trump for what would be a historic second state visit to Britain, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivering the invitation during a press conference in the Oval Office.

“I look forward to sitting down with His Majesty tomorrow, as always we will discuss matters of importance to Canada and Canadians, and I can tell you that nothing seems more important to Canadians than standing up for our sovereignty and our independence as a nation,” Trudeau told reporters.

Trudeau, the outgoing prime minister, said last month that Trump’s talk about absorbing Canada “is a real thing” and is linked to the country’s rich natural resources.

Trump has repeatedly suggested Canada would be better off if it agreed to become the 51st U.S. state.

Trudeau was also asked about Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. “I stand with Zelenskiy,” he said.