NATO leaders will have dinner at the White House, invited by Joe Biden

Photo: Mandel Ngan Agence France-Presse US President Joe Biden greets Truman from the White House balcony on July 4, 2024.

The Canadian Press in Ottawa

Posted at 11:27 a.m.

• United States

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will attend a dinner at the White House on Wednesday evening, when the American president will receive the leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Joe Biden's health has been closely monitored by the international community since his disastrous performance in last month's debate against Donald Trump.

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Joe Biden's team has said the president is more lively at the start of the day and tries to avoid events after 8 p.m., but that's when the meal should begin.< /p>

On Tuesday evening, the US president delivered a clear and forceful speech during the celebration of NATO's 75th anniversary, at a critical moment for the Democratic leader and for the stability of his side. With the world watching, it was an important opportunity for Joe Biden to prove that he is still capable of leading the United States.

Tuesday, Mr. Trudeau dodged a question from reporters who asked if he was concerned about the president's health.

The prime minister faces his own external pressures. Ahead of the NATO summit, U.S. politicians publicly criticized Canada for falling far short of its financial commitments.

NATO allies agreed to spend on defense the equivalent of at least 2% of their national gross domestic product. Canada's current spending is just under 1.4%.

Mr. Trudeau tried to preempt criticism in a speech Tuesday in which he said Canada had kept its promises to significantly increase that funding. But it's a question that will likely continue to follow him in his meetings with his international counterparts.

He is scheduled to meet with new Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and South President -Korean Yoon Suk Yeol. He is also expected to attend a meeting with the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

During the three-day NATO summit in Washington, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia is expected to take center stage.

The 32 allies are scheduled to gather for a meeting of the North Atlantic Council after a welcoming ceremony Wednesday afternoon.