Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to discuss COVID-19.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President von der Leyen recognized that no country or continent can fully recover from COVID-19 until it is beaten all around the world. They discussed the significant efforts in Canada and in the European Union to address the pandemic’s health, social, and economic impacts, and expressed their shared commitment to global solidarity in fighting the virus. The Prime Minister and the President underscored the need for a collaborative international effort to develop and produce diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines that are accessible to all.
The two leaders also spoke about the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, and the opportunities it creates for businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President von der Leyen looked forward to continuing to work together to advance shared priorities such as human rights and democracy. Prime Minister Trudeau thanked President von der Leyen for the European Union’s expressions of concern for two Canadians who have been arbitrarily detained in China.
COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving global challenge. The Government of Canada is working closely with local, provincial, territorial, and international partners to minimize its health, economic, and social impacts in Canada and around the world.