They may be neighbours but the political chasm that now separates the United States and Canada was plain to see during a press conference held by Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau at the White House on Monday evening.

From refugees to women’s rights, 45-year-old Mr Trudeau and 70-year-old Mr Trump are often diametrically opposed.

But the Canadian PM did his utmost not to ruffle any feathers as Mr Trump repeated his mantra of Mexican wall building and the perceived dangers of immigration.

Justin Trudeau Show all 8 1 /8 Justin Trudeau Justin Trudeau Day out The family get in the boat with climate change AP Justin Trudeau Keeping fit Jogging over the Alexandria bridge with the Mexican president AP Justin Trudeau Family comes first “Sophie inspires me every day to be better. I wouldn’t be here tonight if it weren’t for her leadership and her example." AP Justin Trudeau Three-way handshake Trudeau has vowed to strengthen international relations. Twitter Justin Trudeau Bromance Friendship with the White House The White House Justin Trudeau Pandas Just because. Twitter Justin Trudeau Yoga The plank became an internet sensation Twitter Justin Trudeau Making history Trudeau's gender-balanced cabinet was the first of its kind AP

Mr Trudeau is a liberal who champions free trade and has welcomed 40,000 Syrian refugees. He calls himself a feminist and half of his Cabinet are women.

Whereas Mr Trump has few women in his Cabinet, he has taken a protectionist stance on trade and wants to crack down on the inflow of migrants and refugees.

Their differences were encapsulated in a photo released after the Oval Office meeting, when the US President appeared to invite a high five with an extended hand.

The two leaders have very different views on immigration (Getty)

But for a split-second, Mr Trudeau stared blankly at the outstretched palm, his expression summing up how many Canadians feel about the newly installed leader of the free world.

Earlier, as the world watched on, cameras caught an equally uncomfortable greeting between the two leaders as Mr Trudeau arrived at the White House.

Mr Trump could be seen extending his right arm for a handshake while grabbing the Canadian PM on the shoulder.

Donald Trump and Justin Trudeau embrace as the Canadian PM arrives at the White House (EPA)

Mr Trudeau responded with a strong grip on the president’s upper arm.

The apparently awkward first meeting in Washington was followed by a press conference when Mr Trudeau attempted to mend relations by emphasising the "deep abiding respect" between the two countries.

When The Donald banned refugees from entering the US, the Canadian premier responded with a tweet declaring that those “fleeing persecution, terror and war” would be welcomed to his country.

But both men stuck to the script and highlighted their shared goals and a commitment to working together after their first face-to-face meeting.

Justin Trudeau vows to defend women and stick up to Trump

Observers on Twitter were quick to dissect the meeting, with many Canadians voicing their pride in having Mr Trudeau as PM.

One wrote: “Canada is proud today more than yesterday. Trudeau is just a brilliant leader.”