Trudeau and Simon Harris Reaffirm Support for Ukraine in Call; Discuss Middle East Conflict and Climate Change Collaboration
Ottawa, Ontario — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke today with Simon Harris, the Taoiseach of Ireland, in a call that reinforced the close diplomatic ties between Canada and Ireland as the two nations mark 85 years of diplomatic relations.
During their discussion, Prime Minister Trudeau and Taoiseach Harris reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. They praised the efforts of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the international community in pursuing a just and sustainable peace. The leaders also discussed the outcomes of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine held in Switzerland last June, emphasizing the importance of building on its momentum.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his support for Ireland’s recent membership in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. Both leaders encouraged other countries to join their efforts in helping Ukrainian children displaced by Russia’s aggression return to their homes and communities in Ukraine. They also looked ahead to further collaboration at an upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting on the human impact of the war, which Canada plans to host in October.
In addition to their discussions on Ukraine, Trudeau and Harris addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a lasting peace and security in the Middle East.
The conversation also highlighted shared values and priorities between Canada and Ireland, including the fight against climate change, economic security, and the strengthening of trade and investment ties. Prime Minister Trudeau pointed to the benefits of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which continues to create opportunities for businesses and middle-class jobs in both countries.
As the call concluded, both leaders expressed their commitment to ongoing collaboration and agreed to remain in close contact.
