French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met in the French territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon to discuss strengthening ties between France and Canada.

Macron said the two countries are independent nations that intend to remain so amid strained relations with the United States.

Carney called for significantly closer cooperation with France and the European Union, following Canada’s recent discussions with European officials about closer ties.

The two leaders said they would expand cooperation in areas including fisheries, regional security and energy infrastructure, Euro News has reported.

Carney also proposed a four-country framework involving France, Canada, the United States and China to cooperate on the development and governance of artificial intelligence.