(Toronto) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni in Toronto on Saturday, where the two leaders said they agreed to create a roadmap for improved cooperation between Canada and Italy.
Posted at 4:36 p.m.
Sammy Hudes The Canadian Press
The two prime ministers issued a joint statement saying the agreement would deepen their countries' political, economic and strategic ties by setting out plans for cooperation over the next three to five years on priority issues.
These include energy security and the transition to a future focused on sustainable energy, climate change and biodiversity, migration, sustainable economic growth and research and innovation, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence.
The two G7 members plan to review progress in developing the roadmap at a meeting next June in Italy.
PHOTO CARLOS OSORIO, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Meeting between Justin Trudeau and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni
Speaking to reporters before the closed session, Trudeau praised Meloni's leadership as Italy chaired this year's G7 summit, adding that he looked forward to working with her to organize Canada's hosting mandate in 2025.
Mr. Trudeau says Canada and Italy “agree on many issues” and have “a very deep and growing economic relationship.”
The two leaders publicly fell out last year after Mr. Trudeau criticized Italy's stance on LGBTQ+ issues during a meeting with Ms. Meloni at the G7 summit. He was reacting to his government's decision to limit the recognition of parental rights in families with same-sex parents only to the biological parent.
Ms. Meloni later dismissed that criticism, saying Mr. Trudeau had fallen victim to fake news.
On Saturday, Meloni highlighted a number of her priorities as G7 leader, including artificial intelligence, the role of the Indo-Pacific and respect for the rules-based international order.
She also emphasized support for Ukraine and “this very difficult crisis in the Middle East,” saying it is important to avoid escalation.
“We are starting a new year of relations by trying to strengthen our cooperation, and I think there are many issues on which we can do this,” Ms. Meloni said.