WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US President Barack Obama and Canada’s Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau spoke over the telephone about the implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade agreement and the continued fight against terrorism, the White House said in a release.
"In particular, they noted the successful conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and the need to move forward with implementing the high standards of the agreement," release stated on Tuesday.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen "the countries’ joint efforts to promote trade, combat terrorism and mitigate climate change," the release added.
The White House noted that the two leaders committed to working together to achieve an ambitious and durable global climate agreement in Paris in December.
"The President wished the Prime Minister-designate well, and noted that he looks forward to meeting with him in the near future," the release added.
The TPP deal is expected to introduce deregulated and streamlined trade between the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
The unusual secrecy surrounding the TPP negotiations, and the uncertain implications of the deal for workers’ rights, national sovereignty, employment, copyright and the environment have drawn heavy criticism from unions, NGOs, economics experts and the public.
The US Congress is expected to vote on the controversial agreement in the beginning of 2016.
