THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JUSTIN TRUDEAU (Prime Minister of Canada): Hello, everyone. I’d
like to begin by thanking Prime Minister Gentiloni and the Italian people for the incredibly
warm welcome they’ve extended to me and to the entire Canadian delegation. It’s
a pleasure to be here. In the last few weeks Paolo and I have had
the chance to meet on multiple occasions. First in Ottawa, then more recently at NATO
and the G7, and we just wrapped up another productive meeting right here in Rome.
It was an opportunity for us not only to further strengthen the close partnership that has
long existed between Italy and Canada but to talk about how we can work together to
improve the lives of Italian and Canadian families.
First, we discussed the importance of trade. As you know, I was joined by business leaders
on this trip. The visit was a good opportunity for us to discuss how we can expand opportunities
and create good, well-paying middle class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic while working
with our Italian partners. In just a few weeks CETA will come into provisional
application and this is great news for Europeans and Canadians. An ambitious and truly modern
trade deal, CETA will reduce trade barriers between Canada and its European partners,
making it cheaper for Canadian families to buy European products, and creating more opportunities
for entrepreneurs to do business. I’m pleased that CETA has recently taken
another important step towards ratification in Italy, and we hope that the process will
be completed as quickly as possible. The Prime Minister and I look forward to finalizing
this progressive trade deal for the benefit of both Canadians and Europeans.
Second, we talked about our common approach to issues of regional and international security.
Building on some of the conversations we had at the G7 Summit, we discussed the challenges
Italy faces as migrants continue to arrive on its shores. I commend Italy for its commitment
to support refugees and to help address the crises that have forced countless families
out of their homes. Third, the Prime Minister and I reiterated
our commitment to fighting climate change. There is no doubt that global warming is the
most pressing issue of our time and as international leaders, we must do more to make our economies
greener and our planet cleaner. Italy and Canada, along with our partners, have already
taken meaningful steps to address this by signing the Paris Agreement and we remain
committed to its implementation. And finally, I had the chance to visit the
City of Amatrice during my time here in Italy. I saw firsthand the devastation caused by
the earthquake and the rebuilding efforts that are currently under way. In the wake
of those horrible events, the government of Canada announced just a few weeks ago that
it would be donating up to $2 million in matching funds to help the people of Amatrice during
this difficult time. The support shown by the Italian-Canadian
community to rebuild this beautiful town is a powerful reminder of the historic ties that
unite our two countries and a testament to our longstanding friendship.
Our strong relationship is after all based on shared values like compassion and generosity,
and it is in this spirit that we decided to step up, not only as strong allies but as friends.
Prime Minister Gentiloni and I
will continue the work we’re doing together until the end of Italy’s G7 presidency.
We will also continue working together during ours to resolve some of the most pressing
challenges we’re facing, including the empowerment of women and girls. I am very much looking
forward to hosting our G7 partners in Charlevoix next year for another successful summit.
Prime Minister Gentiloni and I will continue to work together until the end of Italy’s G7 presidency
and well into ours to resolve some of the most pressing challenges
we’re facing, including the empowerment of women and girls. I am very much looking
forward to hosting our G7 partners in Charlevoix next year for another successful summit.
Once again, I want to thank you all for joining us today, and I want to again thank the Italian
people for their incredibly warm friendship and welcome.