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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday joined other Asian countries in urging North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapon programs.
“As tensions in North Korea continue to escalate, Canada stands united with the Asian continent and the world in our demand that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons and its ballistic weapons programs,” Trudeau said during his opening statement at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Canada’s 40th commemorative summit in Manila.
“North Korea must immediately cease all activities that go against its international obligations and the UN (United Nations) security council resolutions,” Trudeau said.
This was not the first time Trudeau expressed concern over the North Korea’s nuclear weapon testing and ballistic weapon programs.
Last September, the Canadian leader issued a statement condemning North Korea’s nuclear weapon-related activities, saying it “represents a clear and present threat to the safety and security of its neighbours and the international community.”
Also in his speech, Trudeau expressed Canada’s willingness to be a key partner of the Asean member countries for the next 50 years.
“We are ready to contribute to Asean’s success in an increasingly globalized world by joining the East Asia summit and the Asean defense ministers’ meeting plus at the earliest opportunity. This will allow Canada to become a full and dynamic partner of Asean, a partner that can truly contribute to the organization and its mission,” he said.
Trudeau is the first sitting Canadian prime minister to join the East Asia summit. /je