Prime Minister holds bilateral with Canada's Trudeau, takes on 'photographer's role'

Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat welcomed Canada's recently elected Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, who is in Malta for his first Conmonwealth Summit.

In a bilateral held at Auberge de Castille, the two Prime Ministers spoke of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, with promises to further enhance cultural and trade relations.

In the cordial meeting, Trudeau recognised Malta's ties through the Canadian-Maltese citizens.

He also spoke of the CHOGM, during which he called for a focus on human rights, better governance and how governments could help their citizens achieve their full potential.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with reporters, staff members. Photo taken by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat

Sharing a light moment with reporters and staff still at Auberge de Castille for the late-night meeting, a beaming Trudeau posed for a group photo, with Muscat taking on the role of photographer. "This will earn me some brownie points," he joked. Earlier, members of the Canadian delegation explained how Trudeau would promptly agree to anyone requesting to take a photo or a selfie with him.

Trudeau, son of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau was elected in mid October this year, after a dramatic federal election that ended the divisive reign of the Conservative prime minister, Stephen Harper.

Trudeau spent part of his childhood in 24 Sussex – the official residence of Canadian prime ministers – made his first appearance in national politics in September 2000, when he gave an emotional eulogy at his father’s funeral in Montreal. Before officially entering politics, he spent time teaching drama, French and Maths and working in youth advocacy – a CV that many of his critics have called “too thin” for a political leader.