Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he had a very cordial conversation with United States Vice-President Mike Pence about Canadian concerns with anti-abortion laws being passed in American states.

At a news conference with Pence in Ottawa Thursday, Trudeau was asked if he broached the topic, as he suggested to reporters he would a day earlier.

Pence was also asked to respond to remarks the prime minister made about a backsliding of abortion rights south of the border.

Significant amount of concern among Canadians

I highlighted to the vice-president that there was a significant amount of concern amongst Canadians on the new anti-choice laws being passed in a number of American states and highlighted that Canadians and indeed this government will always be a staunch defender of womens rights and a womans right to choose, Trudeau said.

It was a cordial conversation, but it is one on which we have very different perspectives.

Pence, a devout Christian who is vehemently anti-abortion , agreed the leaders had a respectful exchange on the topic, adding the relationship between the U.S. and Canada allows for candid conversations.

Were able to share our perspective on a broad range of issues and different approaches, Pence said. But let me be clear, Im very proud to be a part of a pro-life administration.