WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE?

In the end, Justin Trudeau’s feel- good visit to the White House on Thursday delivered a whole lot of symbolism and a little bit of substance. And that’s OK. “What’s not to like?” U. S. President Barack Obama said in describing his like- minded guest, the first Canadian prime minister to receive an official invitation to Washington in 19 years.

The same can be said for how the day went off as a whole: What’s not to like?

The two leaders seemed genuinely chummy, picking up from the friendship they evidently forged at their first formal meeting in November, on the sidelines of the Asia- Pacific Economic Co- operation summit in Manila. Now, in D. C., there were cheers and jokes and waving Maple Leafs, and a glitzy state dinner and Hollywood stars from Canada.

The spouses appeared to hit it off, too, with Michelle Obama introducing Sophie Grégoire-Trudeau as her “soulmate” at an event to promote girls’ education around the world. Even the weather co- operated. Granted, when it came down to more serious business, there were no blockbuster announcements of new bilateral policies or agreements. Then again, none had been expected. Obama’s term of office ends in 10 months; Trudeau’s has barely begun. The timing was not conducive to game- changing surprises.

Which isn’t to take away from what was announced. Agreements were struck on a wide range of initiatives — from the environment to border security — and these are not necessarily threatened by the coming change of administration in Washington, if Democrat Hillary Clinton becomes president, in any case.

Among other things, Canada agreed to adopt U. S. targets to cut harmful methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, and both nations signed on to initiatives that aim to protect the Arctic. They plan to expand pre- clearance of passengers at airports, including in Quebec City, and train terminals, including Central Station in Montreal. They pledge to sort out problems with no- fly lists.

They sounded hopeful — probably unrealistically so — even on the lingering trade dispute over softwood lumber. Obama said an eventual deal is likely to leave industry on both sides dissatisfied, but “it will be fine,” while Trudeau expressed confidence “we are on a track toward resolving this irritant.”

Mostly, though, the visit served to reset the special relationship between the two nations that had turned cold under the previous Conservative government in Ottawa. At the same time, while Trudeau already has done much to mend Canada’s bruised image abroad, those efforts no doubt will be helped by the widespread and overwhelmingly positive attention he received in Washington.

Seen in that way, his visit was a great success.