U.S. civil-rights icon Jesse Jackson had a private chat with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday and invited him to a conference in Detroit.

The meeting happened as world leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly, and Jackson later spoke to POLITICO about why he loves Canada and hates the fact that it has been slapped with U.S. tariffs.

鈥淭he Statue of Liberty should be between Windsor, Canada and Detroit,鈥 . 鈥淲e should relate to them with a friendly tone 鈥 because of the historic nature of our relationship 鈥 We are eternally bound 鈥 They鈥檙e our friends.鈥

Jackson said he鈥檚 especially worried Trump might impose tariffs on autos amid ongoing NAFTA talks.

鈥淭he impact of tariffs on cars would devastate consumers,鈥 Jackson said. 鈥淸Canada is] a tremendous trading partner.鈥

Jackson said he invited Trudeau to speak at the upcoming annual conference of his Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project in Detroit. But he said he鈥檚 not sure the prime minister can make it.

Trudeau and U.S. President Donald Trump are not planning to meet formally during the UN General Assembly.