The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, met with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, on the margins of the G7 in Taormina, Italy.

The prime ministers reaffirmed the strong and positive relations between Japan and Canada and undertook to further increase commercial ties, and peace and security cooperation. They also discussed issues of global and regional security.

The leaders condemned North Korea’s provocative actions, which underscore the threat posed to regional and international security. Canada calls on North Korea to comply fully with its international obligations and to cease its pattern of illegal and destabilizing actions. Canada and Japan are committed to working together as part of a concerted international response.

The two prime ministers welcomed reaching substantial agreement on an acquisition and cross services agreement, and have agreed to sign it as soon as possible. Such an agreement will facilitate cooperation between Canadian and Japanese forces, notably during joint training exercises, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and United Nations peacekeeping missions.