Justin Trudeau: EU-Canada trade deal is ‘model to the world’

His comments came on a visit with Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar — the first by a world leader.

Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (L) greets Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on his arrival at Farmleigh House in Dublin on July 4, 2017 | Paul Faith/AFP via Getty Images

The trade deal between the EU and Canada is a “model to the world” that will benefit people on both sides of the Atlantic, the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during a visit Tuesday with Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

The two leaders discussed trade, Brexit, women’s rights and, in a less serious moment, socks, during their meeting at Farmleigh House in Dublin — the first visit by another government head since Varadkar was elected last month.

On trade, Trudeau said the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA, is a “great model of a progressive trade deal … It is not just a great deal for each side but also a model to the world.”

Varadkar agreed the deal would benefit communities on both sides of the Atlantic. “It’s not just a trade deal for big business. It’s for small business and workers as well,” said Varadkar. He added that Ireland has “much more to gain from free trade than we have to lose”.

The European Parliament ratified CETA in February.

But Varadkar stated the U.K. should not be allowed strike new free trade deals with countries such as Canada during the transitional phase of withdrawal from the EU.

“For so long as the United Kingdom is a member of the European Union, they are not at liberty to conclude trade agreements with other countries,” the Taoiseach said.

The two leaders also discussed women’s rights. Varadkar, who said he is a feminist, praised Trudeau’s balanced cabinet with equal numbers of men and women, plus his initiatives to increase women’s participation in politics. “It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Trudeau.

Varadkar also engaged in some lighthearted sock diplomacy. The Taoiseach wore Canada-themed Mounties and maple leaf print socks, a nod to Trudeau’s own passion for interesting socks.

Speaking in front of Farmleigh House after the meeting, Varadkar presented Trudeau with a football jersey and a pair of socks baring Celtic insignia. “These are great socks,” said the Canadian leader.

The meeting comes on the second day of Trudeau’s three day trip to Ireland. He will also visit Queen Elizabeth in the U.K. before attending the G20 meeting in Hamburg on Friday and Saturday.

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