The Canadian Prime Minister spoke of what is needed in multilateral discussions on global issues in the face of growing authoritarianism around the world, in his meeting this morning with Chilean President Gabriel Boric.
Ahead of the Summit of the Americas in California, Boric went on an official visit to Canada to work together on a wide-ranging agenda of issues.
“It is very exciting to see the emergence on the continent of a progressive voice with an exciting (government) agenda,” Trudeau told the media and Boric himself shortly before the start of the bilateral meeting. Trudeau expressed his satisfaction at Boric’s presence in the Canadian capital and his desire to work with the President on issues that affect the continent but also the rest of the world.
Boric said that “democracy is at risk in many parts of the world” and that it is important for him personally, but also for Chile, that “powerful young and progressive voices” have a presence on the international agenda.
“The world is changing even faster than we thought and the world needs countries like Canada and Chile,” Boric continued.
Both leaders pointed out the coincidence that exists in policies such as gender equality, inclusive economic growth, the fight against the climate crisis, the development of renewable energies and relations with indigenous peoples.
Boric declared his satisfaction that his government is feminist and expressed his admiration for Canada’s multicultural approach and its French-English bilingualism. “I would love it if in Chile we could speak in our languages, especially the indigenous languages,” he said.
Before the press, Trudeau officially welcomed his “friend” Gabriel, highlighting the 80 years of bilateral relations and the quarter of a century of trade ties.
For his part, Boric thanked him for the welcome in French, gave an introduction in English, and partly recounted the issues discussed during the meeting in Spanish.
