Prime Minister Trudeau met, for the first time, the new Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir bin Mohamad, on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting. Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated him on the smooth and orderly transfer of power after the May 9th general election. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the strong economic and bilateral relations that exists between Canada and Malaysia, based on 60 years of diplomatic relations.

They also exchanged views on the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, recognizing the need for trade to be both free and fair. Canada is among the first six countries to ratify the agreement, which will bring economic benefits and good jobs to Canada.

Both Prime Ministers also welcomed the recent LNG Canada project in British Columbia - the largest private sector investment in Canadian history, of which Malaysia-owned Petronas is a key partner. They expressed their desire to build on this momentum to further strengthen commercial ties between Canada and Malaysia.

Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his support for Prime Minister Mahathir’s proposed reform agenda, aimed at strengthening human rights, rule of law, good governance and combatting corruption. He also expressed support on the recent elimination of the death penalty in Malaysia. Both Prime Ministers also spoke of the need to highlight diversity in their respective countries and of the challenges facing the Rohingya.