Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Attend ASEAN Summit and Ukraine Defense Meeting
Ottawa, Ontario – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his participation in two major international events this month: the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at the U.S. air base in Ramstein, Germany.
Trudeau’s visit to Laos, from October 10 to 11, 2024, marks the first official visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to the country. At the ASEAN Summit, Trudeau is expected to emphasize Canada’s long-standing partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), focusing on economic growth, climate action, and promoting sustainable development. “Canada and ASEAN have been partners for nearly 50 years, and we continue to work together to create good-paying jobs and build a future based on clean energy and shared prosperity,” Trudeau said in a statement.
The summit will also focus on advancing a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement, an ongoing effort since the establishment of the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership last year. ASEAN, one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions, represented Canada’s fourth-largest merchandise trading partner in 2023, with key progress in sectors such as agriculture, agrifood, and digital trade. Trudeau is expected to discuss ways to deepen trade and investment ties, which could lead to more jobs and innovation for Canadians.
In addition to economic issues, Trudeau will address regional security challenges, including cyber threats, and reaffirm Canada’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Following his participation at the ASEAN Summit, Trudeau will travel to Ramstein, Germany, on October 12 for the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. Hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden, the meeting will bring together international leaders to reaffirm their support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia’s ongoing invasion.
At the meeting, Trudeau will emphasize the need for sustained international assistance, including the provision of military equipment and security training. Earlier this year, Canada and Ukraine signed an Agreement on security cooperation, demonstrating Canada’s long-term commitment to Ukraine’s defense and democratic future.
This trip underscores Canada’s active engagement on the world stage, as it seeks to strengthen its partnerships in Southeast Asia and maintain its support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom and sovereignty.
Trudeau’s office has not yet confirmed additional bilateral meetings during the trip, but further announcements are expected in the coming days.