Today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia to offer his condolences for the deaths of the Ethiopian crew members and citizens on the fatal flight of ET 302. Prime Minister Abiy offered his condolences for the loss of Canadian lives. Prime Minister Trudeau extended his support to Prime Minister Abiy, offering Canada’s assistance.

Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledged Ethiopia’s historic legislation that will allow refugees the right to work and live outside refugee camps and recognized the importance of Ethiopia’s progressive reforms for peace and security in the region. The two leaders noted the upcoming Women Deliver conference to be hosted in Vancouver in June as an important milestone to advance their shared priority of gender equality.

Prime Minister Trudeau also raised the arbitrary detention of two Canadians and the application of the death penalty to a third Canadian in China, and the importance of the rule of law.