Paris, September 17 (QNA) - France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, expressed on Thursday his country's headed path towards developing stronger ties with Canada.

Ahead of the meeting between French President, Emmanuel Macron, with Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, next Sunday in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Barrot stated that France is looking forward to establishing closer connections with Canada.

The suggested proposal regarding deepening relations between the European Union (EU) and Canada must be discussed and studied before France takes a final call, the French Minister expressed.

While in response to US President, Donald Trump's statements on imposing tariffs on Europe and deeming the proposed EU-Canada rapprochement an act of hostility, Barrot said that sovereignty, such as borders and democracy, are non-negotiable.

Barrot's statements come in response to President of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen's suggestion of opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member in the EU, within the framework of elevating relations between the two sides.

EC President also suggested establishing a European Security Council, with partners from Canada, Norway, Ukraine, and the United States to strengthen coordination regarding the security of Europe. (QNA)