PMs Mottley and Trudeau ‘meet on pandemic’

Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau today held virtual talks on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Canadian government has revealed.

It said the duo exchanged information on ongoing efforts by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Canada to halt the spread of the viral illness which the World Health Organisation today said was approaching five million cases worldwide.

According to a statement from the government in Ottawa, the discussions centred on protecting the health, safety and economic well being of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.

Prime Minister Trudeau said he recognized that the pandemic has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities in CARICOM countries and both leaders agreed that the pandemic underscored the need for strengthened global leadership committed to building a fairer, more inclusive world for all countries.

The prime ministers reinforced their commitment to close collaboration between Canada and Barbados and other CARICOM countries, including to foster international action that addresses the unique challenges faced by small island states around the world, such as vulnerability to climate change, natural disasters, and access to financing, according to the statement.

Trudeau emphasised the “strong and warm” ties between Canada and Caribbean countries and said he looked forward to future engagement with CARICOM leaders, the statement concluded.