“We are disappointed by the decision but respect the right of the United States to make the decision," Trudeau said.
The prime minister added that the relationship between the United States and Canada is much bigger that any project, and that he looks forward to a “fresh start with President Obama to strengthen our remarkable ties in a spirit of friendship and co-operation.”
Earlier on Friday, the US president announced that his administration decided against construction of the Keystone XL pipeline proposed by the Canadian energy giant TransCanada as it will not serve US national interests.
Obama noted that he spoke with Trudeau in the morning, and the two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation on energy and climate change issues.
The controversial pipeline, which was supposed to pump oil from Alberta, Canada to the US Gulf Coast, had been languishing for years. Critics of the Keystone XL said it would harm the environment, while proponents said it would create jobs and lower gas and oil prices. Obama previously vetoes the project in February.
