Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledges this is a very complex time in global history, which is why it’s so important to meet with the presidents of the European Council and European Commission to discuss matters of mutual concern.

The PM is hosting Charles Michel and Ursula van der Leyen for a two-day EU-Canada Summit taking place in the capital city.

Trudeau spoke to media this morning at The Rooms before a backdrop of rain, drizzle and fog.

President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen each gave very brief opening remarks to media before heading into closed-door meetings.

Michel says Canada and the EU share the same values, dreams and hopes for human dignity, democratic principles and economic freedoms. Van der Leyan says referencing Newfoundland and Labrador’s rocky landscape that the meeting is the “living proof” of what she calls a “rock solid friendship.”