For close to a couple of decades, no Canadian head of state has ever set foot in Washington for an official state visit. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is out to change that with his impending sojourn in the U.S. capital to meet President Obama.

Stronger Ties Between the Two Countries

The Canadian prime minister will also be accompanied by his wife Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau. The trip's itinerary includes an official State Dinner courtesy of the U.S. President and his First Lady.

"This is a situation where the president recognized that our relationship with Canada is one of the most important relationships between any two countries in the world," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said on Tuesday. "Given that there's a new prime minister that was elected to lead the country it only made sense to ensure that he was warmly welcomed here in Washington on his first visit as Prime Minister of Canada."

What the Two Leaders Will Talk About

The officials from the White House are already preparing for the round of discussions between the two leaders that includes talks on the issues of climate change, economy and trade, including the Trans-Pacific deal and the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS).

One of the main issues Obama and Trudeau will center on is the fight against climate change and protection of the Arctic. According to sources who are privy to some of the details of the discussion, the Artic has recorded its mildest winter to date. They also hope to come up with joint measures to combat the environmental threat. These measures could include a reduction of methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.

Trade talks are also a significant part of the agenda as Canada is the United States' biggest trade partner. About 75 percent of Canada's exports amounting to $1.3 trillion annually is brought to the United States.

Similarities Between Obama and Trudeau

According to Mark Feierstein, National Security Council Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs, it is not surprising to see a budding relationship between President Obama and his Canadian counterpart. Feierstein said that the two have a lot in common.

Obama and Trudeau are both young leaders of their respective countries with a progressive vision of leadership. Both leaders also have a commitment to diversity and multilateralism.

" I think we're seeing that reflected, for example, on the issues of climate change and refugees and other issues. So this will be a good opportunity for the President and Prime Minister to expand that relationship and build on that," Feierstein said on Tuesday.

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