Trudeaumania

Canada is investing in progress, prosperity, and fairness for every generation. At home, we are attracting billions of dollars in manufacturing to our communities and putting Canadians at the forefront of opportunity. But in the global economy, shared challenges require shared solutions. That’s where Canada’s partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comes in.For over half a century, ASEAN has worked with Dialogue Partners, like Canada, to make life better for people on both sides of the Pacific. Our relationship is built on shared priorities – from climate action to peace and security to good-paying jobs. Since 2015, Canada’s trade with ASEAN has nearly doubled. Last year, ASEAN Member States represented Canada’s fourth largest merchandise trading partner, with increased partnerships in agriculture, agrifood, and digital trade. With Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we are building on this partnership with closer ties and shared prosperity.The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his participation at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos. As the first Canadian Prime Minister to visit Laos, the Prime Minister strengthened ties with ASEAN partners and expanded Canada’s footprint in one of the world’s fastest growing economic regions.In Vientiane, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will be upgrading its offices in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Vientiane, Laos, to embassies with resident ambassadors, meaning that Canada will be represented by full embassies in all 10 ASEAN Member States. He also noted the upcoming Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philippines later this year and announced new missions to Thailand and Cambodia in 2025. Building on our Indo-Pacific Strategy, these efforts will help forge even stronger ties between Canada and ASEAN, create good jobs for Canadians and peoples of ASEAN countries, and expand Canada’s presence in the Indo-Pacific.In a joint statement, Canada and ASEAN partners reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing dialogue on global challenges, advancing efforts on shared priorities, and building a people-centred ASEAN region that is connected, inclusive, and resilient. The Prime Minister emphasized that Canada will continue to be a partner in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region.In support of these efforts, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, highlighted an over $128 million package of measures to deepen ties with ASEAN.The effects of climate change are being felt more than ever, and this is having a devastating impact on countries around the world, including ASEAN Member States. That’s why the federal government is investing over $84 million in the region to fight climate change, support innovation, and protect the environment. Our investments aim to:Advance clean growth and conservation initiatives, such as Laos’ Monsoon Wind Power Project, the Lao Landscapes and Livelihoods Project, and the Mekong River Commission.Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in some of the world’s highest-emitting developing countries.Improve resilience to natural disasters through enhanced disaster preparation and management.The challenges posed by transnational organized crime and international terrorism affect citizens of ASEAN Members States and Canadians alike. The federal government is investing $21.3 million in initiatives to:Strengthen partnerships between Canadian and Indo-Pacific law enforcement agencies.Crack down on human and drug trafficking, including synthetic drugs, smuggling, and money laundering.Counter international terrorist threats, including terrorist financing and terrorist fighter travel, and address the impacts on children.Help local governments prevent illegal logging and deforestation.Address online cyber scams.Bolster aviation and border security.Stability in the Indo-Pacific is a key priority for Canada. We are bolstering peace and security efforts in the region, including by investing $11.9 million in various initiatives to:Build up critical nuclear regulatory infrastructure.Fight malicious cyber actors and strengthen cyber resilience.Support demining and arms control efforts.In support of the rights of women and children in ASEAN countries, Canada is investing over $9 million to:Uphold women’s labour rights and improve their participation in underrepresented sectors.Help eliminate forced and child labour.Increase access to prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation services for women and girls with physical disabilities.At the ASEAN Summit, the Prime Minister announced an additional $2 million for scholarships and educational exchanges with ASEAN countries, as well as Canada’s intention to seek participation in the ASEAN Digital Track, which will help ensure that Canada has a seat at the table on regional matters ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to democratic and online rights.As work toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement continues, the Prime Minister noted progress on last year’s ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and emphasized his commitment to further strengthen Canada-ASEAN trade and investment.The ASEAN region offers unparalleled economic opportunity for Canada. Together, the 10 ASEAN member states represent the fifth largest economy in the world and the third largest population in the world. With the measures announced today, Canadians and Canadian businesses can capitalize on the rapid industrialization and growth of this region. Greater Canadian investment in the region and greater investment from the region into Canada will mean more jobs, more innovation, and more growth. As we create good-paying jobs, fight climate change, and grow our economies, Canada and ASEAN stand united to make life better for people in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.Prime Minister Trudeau thanked the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, for hosting a very productive ASEAN Summit. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to further strengthening ties between our countries – and with all ASEAN partners. As Canada hosts the G7 Presidency in 2025, ASEAN will be a central part of our work ahead.Quote“Canada is a proud Indo-Pacific nation. During my visit to this year’s ASEAN Summit, we increased our footprint in this dynamic region – securing trade, investment, and good-paying jobs. As we fight climate change, defend peace and security, and grow our economies, we are putting Canadians at the forefront of global opportunity.”The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of CanadaQuick FactsASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 member states. The objectives of ASEAN are to:Speed up economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.Promote regional peace and stability and respect for justice and the rule of law.Increase collaboration across a range of economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, and administrative spheres.Together, ASEAN as a regional bloc represents Canada’s fourth-largest trading partner, with over $38.8 billion in bilateral trade in 2023.Last year, Canada and ASEAN launched a strategic partnership to further advance collaboration in strategic areas of mutual interest, including peace and security and economic and socio-cultural co-operation.Canada became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1977 and is one of 11 partners with this designation.ASEAN Dialogue Partners co-operate on political and security issues, regional integration, economic interests, inter-faith dialogue, transnational crime and counterterrorism, disaster risk reduction, and other areas. Other Dialogue Partners include: Australia, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy advances and defends Canada’s interests by supporting a more secure, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Indo-Pacific region while protecting Canada’s national and economic security at home and abroad.Related ProductsBackgrounder: Creating good-paying jobs and growing the economy alongside ASEAN partnersASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and ResiliencePrime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher LuxonPrime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim HournPrime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar IbrahimPrime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn ShinawatraPrime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun ManetPrime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay SiphandonePrime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh ChinhAssociated LinksCanada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Canada-Laos relationsJoint Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN-Canada Strategic PartnershipCanada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of the Girl:“Every girl deserves a chance to learn and grow; to succeed without barriers; to live without limits to their success. But in too many parts of the world, women and girls are still undervalued and kept isolated from opportunity.“Canada firmly believes that a fairer world with greater equality is also a better one.“At home, we are improving access to safe, inclusive, and quality education and skills training for women and girls. Since 2018, we have invested more than $433 million in over 930 projects to advance gender equality across Canada. We introduced the Menstrual Equity Fund pilot project, which has increased access to menstrual health products for over 3.5 million people in need. Earlier this year, we announced the National School Food Program, which will get healthy school meals to kids across the country. With Canada’s gender-based violence strategy, we are supporting initiatives to prevent youth dating violence, family violence, and child abuse.“On the global stage, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we are breaking down barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls around the world. Just last month, at the United Nations General Assembly, we announced over $112 million to help protect the comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls worldwide – so they’re able to make choices about their bodies, their lives, and their own futures.“Girls can be anything they want to be. Our role, as government leaders, is to break down barriers so they get that fair chance to succeed. On this International Day of the Girl, let’s keep moving forward on our progress.”

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Yom Kippur:“Tonight, at sundown, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will observe Yom Kippur.“Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred day in the Jewish faith. Families come together to fast, pray, and spend time with loved ones. It’s a day to reflect, to heal, and to hope.“This year, Yom Kippur comes at a time of tragic loss and pain, as we mark one year since the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. A year marked by a sharp rise in antisemitism across our communities, threats to Jewish day schools, and community centres targeted. These High Holidays, Jewish families are attending synagogue surrounded by police. We created the Canada Community Security Program to increase protections for the community and expand security – but we shouldn’t be here.“To Jewish Canadians, know that we stand with you and that we fight this fight with you. Whether it’s at a synagogue or a school, whether it’s wearing the Magen David or a Kippah – you deserve to live openly and proudly Jewish lives, without intimidation or fear.“On this Yom Kippur, let us hope for a better future, which includes a Canada free from antisemitism. A future tied to the values of kindness, compassion, and openness that define the Jewish people. A future where the path of war and violence ends. A future where hostages come home. Where those displaced can be reunited, those broken can start to rebuild, and those hurt can begin to heal.“Together, we can help build a kinder, more inclusive, and welcoming country for everyone. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to Jewish communities for the Jewish year of 5785 and wish all of those who are observing a meaningful Yom Kippur.“G’mar Chatima Tova.”

We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Canada gathered in Vientiane, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic on 10 October 2024, at the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience, in support of the priorities of the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024; Recalling the establishment of an ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership on 6 September 2023 and REAFFIRMING our shared commitment to jointly address new challenges, including through cooperation in ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); Emphasising the importance of adhering to key principles, shared values and norms enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN), the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); Recognising the long history of cooperation between ASEAN and Canada since the establishment of Dialogue Relations in 1977; Noting that both the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy share relevant fundamental principles in promoting an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law; Acknowledging Canada’s support for ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, which underscores Canada’s commitment to regional peace, security and prosperity and to ASEAN integration and ASEAN Community-building process; Supporting this year’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”; Noting that Canada, as G7 president in 2025, is keenly interested in ensuring that its presidency is informed by the views of ASEAN Member States; We hereby declare our intention to:Expand collaboration through the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership which will include a special focus in 2024-2025 on ASEAN-Canada digital cooperation, and an expanded Canadian commercial engagement in the ASEAN region. Build on the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2021-2025) and support the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans as well as the implementation of the AOIP.Connectivity Cooperation on Transforming for the Digital Future Strengthen digital cooperation between ASEAN and Canada, noting Canada’s interest in becoming a Dialogue/Development Partner of the ADGSOM. Cooperation on Integrating and Connecting Economies Strengthen economic ties by increasing ASEAN-Canada trade and investment, including through Team Canada Trade Missions to the ASEAN region. Promote greater regional economic integration, development, and resilience, including through the timely conclusion of an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) and underscore our shared commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system; and achieve fair, open and free markets, as well as sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development. Welcome the establishment of the Export Development Canada office in Jakarta, and planned expansion to other countries in Southeast Asia, striving to support Canadian companies doing business in Indonesia and other ASEAN markets through direct financing to Canadian exporters and investors and support local buyers involved in projects with Canadian content. Welcome the establishment of FinDev Canada's office in Singapore, which will accelerate the deployment of the corporation's equity, financing, blended financing and technical assistance solutions in the region, enabling sustainable development and inclusive growth through the private sector. Resilience Environmental Cooperation Support ASEAN’s objectives to enhance sustainable development, including strengthening resilience against climate risks, extreme floods and droughts, including through relevant ASEAN regional mechanisms, ASEAN centres, and institutions. Advance ocean management initiatives in the region, in line with the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action, including by supporting ocean and climate scientific research, promoting biodiversity protection and conservation initiatives, and monitoring and enforcement capacity. Food Security Advance technical cooperation by sharing best practices and capacity building in research and development on agricultural product and agri-food innovation in the agricultural sector to support long-term, reliable trade relationships and a stronger supply chain as outlined in the ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises. Welcome the establishment of Canada’s first Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila which aims to strengthen ASEAN-Canada cooperation on food security and promote mutual trade objectives in the agriculture sector. Explore possible cooperation to promote responsible fishing practices and to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Cooperation on ASEAN Centrality Promote maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded commerce, mutual trust and confidence, the exercise of self-restraint, the non-use of force or the threat to use force, and the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, the relevant Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and the relevant instruments and conventions of the International Maritime Organisation. Enhance cooperation in maintaining peace, security and stability, and addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the region, including maritime security; transnational crime such as trafficking in persons, people smuggling, illicit precursor and drug trafficking; non-proliferation and disarmament; cyber security and cybercrime; international terrorism and violent extremism, with support from Canada’s capacity building efforts, including through the Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Programs, and in alignment with the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime. Cooperation on Women’s Empowerment and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) Commit to strengthen efforts in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda globally, including through sharing of information and best practices, enhancing security related cooperation in the context of WPS within the ASEAN-led mechanisms, launching of a regional WPS initiative; advancing the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations and regionally, the ‘Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace’ initiative and cooperation with UN Women involving CAD8.5 million to support ASEAN-led efforts to advance the WPS agenda in ASEAN including support for the implementation and localisation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on WPS. Cooperation on Health Security Initiatives Further promote health security and health system resilience through ongoing support for the ASEAN-Canada Mitigation of Biological Threats (MBT) in the ASEAN Region Program, including supporting the development and operationalisation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Biosafety and Biosecurity and the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) and other collaboration to enhance regional preparedness and response to future health crisis. Further strengthen collaboration through the ASEAN-Canada MBT in the ASEAN Region Program to enhance capacities to prevent, detect and respond to all manner of biological threats, whether natural, accidental or deliberate in origin. Cooperation on Disaster Management Enhance cooperation between ASEAN and Canada to support the implementation of ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme (2021-2025) and the next AADMER Work Programme, as well as strengthen collaboration with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre). Cross-Cutting Issues Commit to consolidate the ASEAN-Canada partnership and strategic engagement through more frequent and meaningful dialogues at various levels. We welcome Canada’s support for ASEAN-led mechanisms and note its interest in joining the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), subject to these mechanisms’ respective enlargement processes. Strengthen Canada's support for ASEAN's increased engagement with international and multilateral fora, including the UN, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and G20, and in Canada’s role as G7 president in 2025 to explore synergies and collaboration with ASEAN as it adopts the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans. Support ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing the development gaps, including through the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021-2025) and its successor documents as well as sub-regional frameworks in the ASEAN region, which would contribute to promoting sustainable and equitable development and inclusive growth across the ASEAN Community by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive development of ASEAN. Recognise the importance of further enhancing regional connectivity, including through support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and its successor document and the ASEAN Connectivity Post-2025 Agenda, as well as promoting links and synergies with other relevant connectivity initiatives through ASEAN’s Connecting the Connectivities approach. As we adopt this Joint Statement, we task our relevant officials to implement the above initiatives to complement the programmes and goals identified in the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2021-2025) as well as the Joint Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, based on mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit. We reaffirm our commitment to our relationship, as ASEAN and Canada commence negotiations of the next iteration of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action (2026 – 2030). 

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on the margins of the ASEAN Summit.As the first Canadian Prime Minister to attend three ASEAN Leaders Summits, Prime Minister Trudeau discussed the growing ties between Canada and ASEAN with Secretary General Hourn, highlighting the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, launched in 2023, and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, released in 2022.The leaders welcomed deepening co-operation on a number of mutual priority areas, including trade and investment, climate change, food security, and the digital economy. They also discussed progress on ongoing Canada-ASEAN free trade negotiations.Prime Minister Trudeau and Secretary General Hourn agreed to remain in close contact.Associated LinksCanada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Prime Minister to participate in ASEAN Summit and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact GroupCanada’s Indo-Pacific StrategyJoint Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.Prime Minister Trudeau offered condolences to Prime Minister Chinh and the people of Vietnam following the devastating impact of Typhoon Yagi, and Prime Minister Chinh thanked Canada for its support in the aftermath of the typhoon.The prime ministers discussed the ongoing implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Canada-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership. They underlined areas for enhanced co-operation, including regional security, trade and investment, climate change, clean energy, and sustainable development.Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Chinh highlighted the Team Canada Trade Mission to Vietnam that took place in March of this year and discussed ways to expand bilateral trade and investment through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. They also underscored the centrality of ASEAN to the Indo-Pacific region.Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Chinh reaffirmed the strong partnership between Canada and Vietnam, including through strong people-to-people ties, and they agreed to remain in close and regular contact. Prime Minister Trudeau indicated that Canada looks forward to hosting Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Hong Dien, next month.Associated LinksCanada-Vietnam relationsCanada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Prime Minister to participate in ASEAN Summit and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact GroupCanada’s Indo-Pacific StrategyComprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Siphandone on a successful year as ASEAN host and thanked him for hosting the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience. Prime Minister Siphandone welcomed Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit to Laos – the first official visit of a Canadian Prime Minister to the country.The leaders highlighted the steady growth in bilateral relations between Canada and Laos, including increased trade and investment. In the meeting, Canada announced that it would upgrade its office to open a full embassy in Vientiane. As we mark 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, the two leaders looked forward to continue strengthening the relationship between our two countries, rooted in strong people-to-people ties.Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Siphandone agreed to remain in close contact.Associated LinksCanada-Laos relationsCanada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Prime Minister to participate in ASEAN Summit and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Shinawatra on her recent appointment. The two leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between Canada and Thailand and discussed potential areas for increased collaboration on mutual priorities, including education exchanges, clean energy technologies, and peace and security.The leaders discussed the ongoing implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. They also highlighted opportunities to strengthen the trade relationship between Canada and Thailand, including through the upcoming Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand in 2025 and ongoing work toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement.The prime ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine, including its global impacts. Prime Minister Trudeau invited Thailand to participate in the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimensions of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula, which Canada will co-host with Ukraine and Norway, in Montréal, on October 30 and 31.Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Shinawatra agreed to stay in close contact and looked forward to ongoing collaboration on shared priorities.Associated LinksCanada-Thailand relationsCanada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Prime Minister to participate in ASEAN Summit and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact GroupCanada’s Indo-Pacific StrategyTeam Canada Trade MissionsCanada’s response to the Russian invasion of UkraineCanada to Host Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine's 10-Point Peace Formula

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.The leaders highlighted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines, rooted in deep people-to-people ties.President Marcos Jr. noted that the Canada-Philippines relationship is stronger than ever, and the two leaders discussed progress in different areas of bilateral co-operation, including defence, development assistance, trade, agriculture and agri-food, education, and clean technologies. They welcomed the upcoming Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines, planned for December, as well as progress in negotiations toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement.The leaders discussed Russia’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine and its global impacts. Prime Minister Trudeau invited the Philippines to participate in the Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimensions of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula, which Canada will co-host with Ukraine and Norway, in Canada, from October 30 to 31.In the context of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, both leaders also expressed concern over increasing tensions in the South China Sea, noting their mutual commitment to regional security and international law. Each of them welcomed the strengthening of maritime co-operation through Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection Program.Prime Minister Trudeau and President Marcos Jr. agreed to remain in close contact and looked forward to meeting again.Associated LinksCanada-Philippines relationsCanada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Prime Minister to participate in ASEAN Summit and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact GroupCanada’s response to the Russian invasion of UkraineCanada to host Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.The prime ministers highlighted the importance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and emphasized their commitment to strengthening the rules on trade and responding to the challenges of the 21st century. The leaders also discussed co-operation on critical minerals, including the importance of building stable, resilient, and responsible critical mineral supply chains.The three leaders discussed global issues of common concern, including the crisis in the Middle East. They expressed their grave concern at the violence and loss of life, and emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation across the region.Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the importance of Australia and New Zealand – close allies and members of the Five Eyes – as key partners to Canada in the Indo-Pacific region and globally, for advancing shared priorities such as peace and security, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.The prime ministers expressed their strong commitment to the Commonwealth and their support to Samoa as it prepares to serve as the first ever Pacific Island host for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this month.The leaders agreed to stay in close contact and to continue working together to advance shared priorities.Associated LinksCanada-Australia relationsCanada-New Zealand relationsCanada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Prime Minister to participate in ASEAN Summit and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact GroupComprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza StripCanada’s Indo-Pacific StrategyJoint statement by the prime ministers of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand