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“This is an opportunity to gather together a group of nations that are historically linked through the Korean War that will be another piece, we certainly hope and feel, in the path towards resolving the conflict.”

But Trudeau also acknowledged that any successful resolution will ultimately need to include China and Russia, both of which he called “important partners” in resolving one of the world’s greatest threats to peace.

Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last month announced plans to co-host the Vancouver meeting in response to growing concerns about North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

Photo by Jonathan Hayward/CP

The participating countries will put a heavy emphasis on finding ways to crack down on the many smuggling and money-laundering schemes that Pyongyang has employed to sidestep sanctions and pay for its nuclear program.

U.S. officials have said the discussions will include whether to start intercepting North Korean shipping, which is certain to spark anger and threats from Pyongyang and could involve Canadian warships.

Underlining the military backdrop, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis were scheduled to attend a dinner with Freeland and Tillerson on Monday night in advance of Tuesday’s gathering.

The meeting has sparked plenty of condemnation, most recently from Russia, whose foreign minister didn’t pull his punches Monday in a two-hour news conference.