Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has arrived in Laos this week to meet with southeast Asian leaders — the Liberal government’s latest effort to strengthen Canada’s ties in a region with strong Chinese influence.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is travelling to Laos today to take part in the ASEAN Summit. Canada is not a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, but has a strategic partnership with ASEAN and is hoping to conclude a trade deal with the 10-nation bloc by the end of next year.

He reaffirmed his confidence in President Marcos' commitment to deepening engagements with ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday left Manila for the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, which will be held in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Marcos is set to tackle the recent developments in the West Philippine Sea and human trafficking issues among member states.

VIENTIANE: The Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) has begun in the capital of Laos, preceding the opening ceremony of the 44th and 45th Asean Summits and Related Summits, which will be held at the National Convention Centre (NCC) on Oct 9.

President Marcos has departed Manila to participate in the 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) where he is expected to advance the country's stand resolving regional disputes.