Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised President Obama’s economic policy on Thursday, noting that he modeled an “ambitious innovation agenda” on Obama’s post-recession stimulus plan.

{mosads}“We realize that revitalizing our economy will require investment in new ideas and new technologies,” Trudeau said at the White House. “That was the Canadian plan, and, of course, that very much resembles the challenges and solutions you’ve been putting forward here south of the border.

“A plan to invest in our country and invest in our people, and it’s wonderful to see our American friends and partners share and are working on the exact same objectives.”

Trudeau also praised the two nations’ trade relationship as he considers supporting the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a massive Pacific Rim trade deal negotiated by Trudeau’s predecessor that is one of Obama’s top priorities as he finishes his presidency.

“As our leading trading partner and closest ally, the relationship between our two countries has always been vital,” said Trudeau. “As an exporting nation, Canada is always eager to work closely to reduce the trade barriers between our two countries.”

Trudeau, who is in Washington on his first official state visit, is the first Canadian prime minister hosted by the president since 1997. Trudeau’s Liberal Party took control of the Canadian government last October, ousting the Conservative Party’s Stephen Harper. 

Observers have drawn comparisons between Obama and Trudeau — a fresh, telegenic face promising change rooted in liberal economic policies — and the world leaders became fast friends. 

Obama and Trudeau are expected to discuss climate change, tariffs on Canadian lumber and U.S. access to the Canadian dairy market.