November 24, 2022: A Special Report
On 20th November 2022, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau concluded his 10-day tour to two continents and participation in four summits –
- the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from November 12 to 13,
- the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia from November 15 to 16,
- the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand from November 17 to 18, and
- the 18th Sommet de la Francophonie in Djerba, Tunisia from November 19 to 20.
During the meetings, he worked closely with partner countries to strengthen ties and make progress on shared priorities, including expanding trade and investment, growing the economy to benefit everyone, and creating opportunities for people and businesses in Canada and around the world.
At the summit of Francophonie countries, the Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s commitment to promote democracy and human rights around the world. In particular, the Prime Minister convened a meeting of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) to help the situation in Haiti. The PM also announced special aid for various developmental projects in Sahel, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso. During the Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau also held bilateral meetings with
- the Premier of Quebec, François Legault,
- the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan,
- the President of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, and
- the President of Niger, Mohamed Bazoum.
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Thailand, Prime Minister Trudeau endorsed the Bangkok Goal Declaration on the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy, a trade and investment model in support of the energy transition, ensuring that member economies remain environmentally and socially responsible when conducting business.
Following North Korea’s recent series of missile tests, including the suspected launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on Friday, Prime Minister Trudeau participated in a security meeting convened by the Vice-President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, on the margins of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. He was joined by the leaders of South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. The Prime Minister strongly condemned Pyongyang’s provocation and called for continued international coordination to address the threat posed by North Korea’s ongoing nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
In Bangkok, The Prime Minister had an audience with Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand. The Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with
- the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric and
- the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha.
He also held pull-aside meetings with the Vice-President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.
At G20, besides supporting Climate Change for a healthy future, at a Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment event co-hosted by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will invest $750 million to significantly expand FinDev Canada’s global efforts to meet demand for infrastructure and enhance the reach and impact of Canada’s private sector activities. The additional capital will enable FinDev to increase its engagement in the Indo-Pacific and help respond to the region’s massive infrastructure needs, address existing funding gaps, and support wider regional progress toward ending poverty, fighting climate change, and building a future that works for everyone.
The Prime Minister also highlighted recent progress in advancing negotiations toward a Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which would create jobs and opportunities for people and businesses in both countries.
During the Summit, G7 Leaders and Indonesia issued a joint statement announcing a new Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) with the Government of Indonesia to accelerate its clean energy transition in an inclusive way. Canada will allocate $550 million to Indonesia from existing climate commitments under this new partnership. Canada is also contributing to coal phase-out and the clean energy transition in Indonesia through its commitment of $1 billion to the Climate Investment Funds’ Accelerating Coal Transition Program, of which Indonesia was one of the first funding recipients.
To further protect global health and prevent future pandemics, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a new commitment of $50 million to the new Pandemic Fund – a key G20 initiative hosted by the World Bank – to help fill critical gaps in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities in low- and middle-income countries in key areas like investing in the health care workforce and strengthening disease surveillance.
From November 14 to 16, Prime Minister Trudeau held the following important meetings:
- Bilateral meetings with
- the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, and
- the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni.
- A pull-aside meeting with the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol.
- with major business executives, including Seiji Izumisawa, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.