Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a pitch for even closer ties between Canada and South Korea, appealing to the historical links of shared sacrifice while tiptoeing around their thorny — even stark — policy differences.
The first full day of his visit started with an address to the country's National Assembly, in which he highlighted the deep, almost underappreciated, cultural ties between the countries.
"I'm here to tell you that it's no longer enough to be friends — we need to be the best of friends," Trudeau said in describing the unstable geopolitical landscape. "Right now, our world is facing a moment of uncertainty like we've never seen in our lifetimes."In many respects, Trudeau's speech hit all of the familiar notes — climate change, investment, economic resilience and gender equality.
In addition, the country is mired in a debate about so-called "no kid zones," of which there are about 500 across the nation — public spaces beyond the normal bars and some restaurants where children are not allowed. Later Wednesday, when the two leaders met the media, the South Korean president was asked whether he and Trudeau had discussed feminism.
Trudeau shakes hands with South Korean lawmakers as he leaves after delivering his speech at the National Assembly in Seoul on Wednesday.
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