Trudeau warns Pyongyang to halt nuclear weapons program

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a powerful message to North Korea on Tuesday, joining Asian heads of state and other world leaders in calling on the rogue nation to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.

In his opening remarks during the ASEAN-Canada 40th Commemorative Summit in Pasay City, Manila, Trudeau said as tensions in North Korea continue to escalate, Canada stands united with the Asian continent and the world in their demand that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

The commemorative summit was part of the 31st ASEAN Summit and related summits hosted by the Philippines.

Trudeau added North Korea must immediately cease all activities that go against its international obligations and UN Security Council resolutions.

“As a member of a wide range of multilateral organizations, we (Canada) are uniquely positioned to amplify that message before international audiences and our partners,” he said.

North Korea, headed by Kim Jong-Un, has conducted six nuclear tests dating back to 2006 and is becoming more and more brash about its nuclear ambitions.

This was condemned around the world, with the Asian and Western leaders expressing grave concern it could lead to serious consequences and the possibility of nuclear war.

In a few days, Trudeau said he is looking forward to welcoming representatives from Asian countries alongside other UN partners to discuss how they can further contribute to UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

"Canada hopes to exert its influence on the world stage to defend the mutual interests of ASEAN members and partners. The issues matter to you (because you) matter to us," he told the ASEAN delegates.

Also in his speech, Trudeau expressed Canada’s willingness to be a key partner of the ASEAN member countries for the next 50 years.

“We are ready to contribute to ASEAN’s success in an increasingly globalized world by joining the East Asia summit and the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus at the earliest opportunity. This will allow Canada to become a full and dynamic partner of ASEAN, a partner that can truly contribute to the organization and its mission,” he said.