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White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday that President Joe Biden’s first appeal to a world leader would be made to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“His first call, that of the foreign leader, will take place on Friday with Prime Minister Trudeau,” she said during her first White House press briefing after Biden’s inauguration.
“I expect they will certainly discuss the important relationship with Canada, as well as its decision on the Keystone pipeline that we announced today,” said Psaki.
Biden has officially revoked the presidential permit the Trump administration granted to the controversial cross-border pipeline project.
The press secretary added that Biden would likely prioritize talks with US allies.
“I would expect her first calls to be with partners and allies,” she said. “He believes it is important to rebuild these relationships and address the challenges and threats we face around the world.”
Psaki was also asked if Biden would speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin and if they would discuss possible retaliation against the SolarWinds hack.
The Russians were probably behind the hack that breached US government networks, according to a joint statement from several US agencies, including the FBI and the National Security Agency.
“I have no plans … to read for you in terms of an appeal with President Putin,” she said.
Regarding the SolarWinds hack, she said, “We reserve the right to respond to any cyber attack at any time and in any manner we choose.”
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