U.S. ambassador, Manitoba premier met in Winnipeg on Friday

U.S. ambassador, Manitoba premier met in Winnipeg on Friday

Kinew declined to discuss meeting

U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra met with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew on Friday, the premier's office said.

Hoekstra arrived in Winnipeg on Thursday. CBC News observed the ambassador entering a hotel at The Forks.

Hoekstra and Kinew discussed agriculture, mining, steel, energy, the aerospace sector and Churchill on Friday, said Amy Tuckett-McGimpsey, a spokesperson for the premier.

The ambassador requested the meeting, Tuckett-McGimpsey said.

Kinew declined a request to speak to CBC News about the meeting.

51st state 'a great discussion' for Trump and Carney, says Hoekstra as president trolls ahead of trade talks

Hoekstra has made a series of provocative statements since he was appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump as that country's ambassador to Canada.

The ambassador said earlier this month that making Canada the 51st state would be "a great discussion for the president" and Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Carney said he would not respond or react to every U.S. provocation.

With files from Alana Cole and Bartley Kives