Today, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke with Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba.

The Prime Minister and the President discussed the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. The Prime Minister, on behalf of the Lima Group, underscored the desire to see free and fair elections and the constitution upheld in Venezuela. The Prime Minister also reiterated his concern for the ongoing suffering of the Venezuelan people. The two leaders discussed ways they could work together to support a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

The two leaders also discussed the decision of the United States to enact Title III of the Helms-Burton (LIBERTAD) Act. The Prime Minister reiterated that Canada considers the extraterritorial application by the United States of unilateral Cuba-related measures contrary to international law. Canada will defend the interests of Canadians conducting legitimate trade and investment with Cuba. 

The two leaders affirmed the longstanding, bilateral relationship between Canada and Cuba based on mutual respect, and the desire to continue to work together on issues of mutual concern.