MNI BRIEF: Canada Says China Agreed To Normalized Trade Talks

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he spoke with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and they agreed to "regularize channels of communication," a move coming after years of diplomatic tensions and as Canada seeks to diversify trade away from the U.S.

The two agreed to cooperate to fight illicit fentanyl and Carney "took the opportunity to raise trade irritants affecting agriculture and agri-food products, including canola and seafood, as well as other issues" according to a statement he posted late Thursday night Ottawa time. (See: MNI: Canada Will Struggle To Wean Off U.S. Trade Dependence)