OTTAWA, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Canada relies on the United States for its existence.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (Photo: Xinhua)

Speaking in Quebec City, Carney emphasized Ottawa's sovereignty and addressed Trump's comments after returning from Switzerland without meeting with the U.S. president.

On Wednesday, Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos that "Canada lives because of the United States."

"Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership. In the economy, in security and in rich cultural exchange," Carney said. "But Canada doesn't live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian."