President Donald Trump is describing the relationship between the United States and Canada as having “mutual love” but also “natural conflict.” On Tuesday, he met with Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office. The meeting comes as tensions rise over trade disputes and annexation threats.

The Canadian prime minister pushed back at Trump’s characterization of the two nations being in “natural conflict.”

Carney pointed out that Canada is the United States’ second-largest trading partner and is also a major foreign investor. He said the relationship between the U.S. and Canada are “maybe not so much conflict” but that they “compete.”

“There are areas where we compete, and it’s in those areas where we have to come to an agreement that works,” Carney said. “But there are more areas where we are stronger together, and that’s what we’re focused on”

Trump’s tariffs and talk of making Canada the 51st state have strained relations. Carney’s visit aims to improve ties ahead of a critical review of the free trade agreement next year. Canada wants relief from specific tariffs, but expectations are low. The U.S.-Canada relationship remains vital, with significant economic and security ties.