Before sitting down with President Barack Obama to discuss cross-border relations, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau are spending their first night in Washington with one of Canada’s top talents — Toronto-born singer-songwriter The Weeknd.
The R&B superstar is among the guests attending a reception for the prime minister, put on by the think tanks Canada 2020 and the Centre for American Progress.
The Weeknd posted to Twitter a snapshot from the party with his “friend” Trudeau.
Trudeau arrived in Washington around 5 p.m. ET Wednesday and has a busy day of official meetings Thursday, before attending a swanky state dinner in his honor at the White House that evening.
Wednesday’s night’s invitation-only event got underway at 6 p.m. ET at the Renwick Gallery.
READ MORE: Trudeau goes to Washington: White House reveals spring-themed menu for state dinner
The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, is one of the most popular artists in Canada and the U.S. at the moment. The Can’t Feel My Face singer won two Grammys last month before performing his Oscar-nominated song Earned It at the Academy Awards ceremony on Feb. 28.
“The Weeknd personifies the creative and dynamic spirit of the Canadian arts community. We are proud to be hosting him and the Canadian Prime Minister at our event this week,” Canada2020 president and co-founder Tom Pitfield said in a statement.
Members of the Canadian delegation will also attend Wednesday night’s event, along with Obama administration officials, members of Congress and the U.S. Senate.
READ MORE: What will Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau be doing during the state visit?
The following night, the Trudeaus and Obamas will be entertained by another Grammy-nominated singer. Sara Bareilles will perform following the state dinner, the White House revealed Wednesday.
More details about the state dinner at the White House, including the guest list, are expected to be made public earlier in the day Thursday.
Global National with Dawna Friesen will broadcasting live from Washington, D.C. from Wednesday to Friday. Watch Global National at 6:30 p.m. ET/AT and 5:30 p.m. MT/PT.
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