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Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, on the margins of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.

The Prime Minister congratulated the Secretary-General on the adoption of the Pact for the Future, and the two leaders discussed progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Co-Chair of the SDG Advocates group and the SDG Stimulus Leaders group, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to championing global action toward meeting the SDGs. He underscored the urgent need for development finance in support of the SDGs and for innovative approaches and tools to tackle multifaceted challenges.

The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General exchanged views on pressing global issues and ongoing challenges to the rules-based international order. They reiterated their strong support for democracy and the need to foster global peace and stability.

On the situation in the Middle East, the leaders reiterated the need for an urgent ceasefire and expressed their deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They agreed on the importance of securing a path toward lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, and underscored the importance of upholding international humanitarian law, ensuring humanitarian access to the affected areas, and protecting civilians.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Secretary-General Guterres discussed the situation in Haiti and agreed on the need for ongoing and sustained support for the transitional government and the UN-authorized Multinational Security Support mission. 

Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized Canada’s ongoing support for Ukraine and our commitment to work with international partners to address the global impacts of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion.

Secretary-General Guterres thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for Canada’s strong support for the UN. The two leaders agreed to remain in contact and to continue working together, particularly in the context of Canada’s G7 Presidency next year.

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