Justin Trudeau hails legalization of same-sex marriage in Thailand
(Vientiane) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated the Thai Prime Minister on her country's recent decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
Trudeau made the comments during a bilateral meeting with Thailand's new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, while attending this year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
The prime minister held several meetings with Asian leaders for much of the day Thursday, including with his Thai counterpart.
Trudeautold Shinawatra that at a time when the rights of LGBTQ+ communities are backsliding around the world, his leadership on same-sex marriage has been "remarkable."
The landmark bill was officially passed in Thailand on September 24, allowing same-sex couples to legally marry in that country.
Trudeau is attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit for the third time in a row, demonstrating Canada's commitment to deepening ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
In his remarks at the summit Thursday night, Trudeau announced that Canada will transform its diplomatic missions in Vientiane, Laos, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, into full-fledged embassies. "All of this builds on our Indo-Pacific strategy, which recognizes ASEAN's central and growing role in the region," Trudeau said.
"My friends, Canada is a Pacific nation. We care about this region because we are part of it," he said.
Federal government officials say Canada is increasing its presence in the region to boost its credibility as a reliable economic partner, noting that ASEAN member states together represented Canada's fourth-largest trading partner last year.
Reducing dependence on ChinaTrudeau's visit also builds on the Liberal government's Indo-Pacific strategy, which provides a roadmap to strengthen military and economic relations in the region and counterbalance China's influence.
Canada's efforts are part of a broader Western approach to strengthening economic and political relations with Southeast Asian countries, largely to reduce dependence on Chinese goods.
Earlier in the day Thursday, Trudeau participated in a trilateral meeting with the premiers of Australia and New Zealand. In their address to the media, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his country sees its future in the Indo-Pacific region.
As Canada and its allies deepen their ties in Asia, they also face significant differences with countries in the region, including geopolitically.
Local media reported last month that Malaysia had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming ASEAN summit, which Malaysia is expected to host.
ASEAN also includes several predominantly Muslim countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, which have opposed Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip and defended the Palestinians.
Federal Trade Minister Mary Ng told reporters Thursday that while Canada makes a concerted effort to expand its trade relationship in the region, it will not deviate from its values.
"When negotiating with countries, whether bilaterally or multilaterally as in the case of ASEAN, you can expect that Canada will not compromise its values," saidMs. Ng.
The Canadian government is working towards a free trade agreement with ASEAN and is finalizing the negotiation of such an agreement with Indonesia, which is expected to be concluded by the end of the year.
Trudeau also met Thursday with the leaders of Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Cambodia.
He is expected to announce Friday that Canada will set aside $2 million to help sustainably manage the Mekong River, which runs through several ASEAN member states.
Trudeau made the comments during a bilateral meeting with Thailand's new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, while attending this year's Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
The prime minister held several meetings with Asian leaders for much of the day Thursday, including with his Thai counterpart.
Trudeautold Shinawatra that at a time when the rights of LGBTQ+ communities are backsliding around the world, his leadership on same-sex marriage has been "remarkable."
The landmark bill was officially passed in Thailand on September 24, allowing same-sex couples to legally marry in that country.
Trudeau is attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit for the third time in a row, demonstrating Canada's commitment to deepening ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
In his remarks at the summit Thursday night, Trudeau announced that Canada will transform its diplomatic missions in Vientiane, Laos, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, into full-fledged embassies. "All of this builds on our Indo-Pacific strategy, which recognizes ASEAN's central and growing role in the region," Trudeau said.
"My friends, Canada is a Pacific nation. We care about this region because we are part of it," he said.
Federal government officials say Canada is increasing its presence in the region to boost its credibility as a reliable economic partner, noting that ASEAN member states together represented Canada's fourth-largest trading partner last year.
Reducing dependence on ChinaTrudeau's visit also builds on the Liberal government's Indo-Pacific strategy, which provides a roadmap to strengthen military and economic relations in the region and counterbalance China's influence.
Canada's efforts are part of a broader Western approach to strengthening economic and political relations with Southeast Asian countries, largely to reduce dependence on Chinese goods.
Earlier in the day Thursday, Trudeau participated in a trilateral meeting with the premiers of Australia and New Zealand. In their address to the media, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his country sees its future in the Indo-Pacific region.
As Canada and its allies deepen their ties in Asia, they also face significant differences with countries in the region, including geopolitically.
Local media reported last month that Malaysia had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming ASEAN summit, which Malaysia is expected to host.
ASEAN also includes several predominantly Muslim countries, such as Malaysia and Indonesia, which have opposed Israel's military action in the Gaza Strip and defended the Palestinians.
Federal Trade Minister Mary Ng told reporters Thursday that while Canada makes a concerted effort to expand its trade relationship in the region, it will not deviate from its values.
"When negotiating with countries, whether bilaterally or multilaterally as in the case of ASEAN, you can expect that Canada will not compromise its values," saidMs. Ng.
The Canadian government is working towards a free trade agreement with ASEAN and is finalizing the negotiation of such an agreement with Indonesia, which is expected to be concluded by the end of the year.
Trudeau also met Thursday with the leaders of Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Cambodia.
He is expected to announce Friday that Canada will set aside $2 million to help sustainably manage the Mekong River, which runs through several ASEAN member states.
