“It’s always a pleasure to welcome a dear friend to Canada, a dear friend to my family as well,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
The pair met in the Prime Minister’s office at Centre Block to discuss “pluralism, diversity and all the things that Canada can contribute to offering more peace and stability in the world,” according to the Prime Minister.
Mawlana Hazar Imam thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for his welcome, and for a family friendship that has endured across generations. He expressed hope “that this wonderful relationship can continue for the benefit of all the peoples that we care about both in Canada and abroad.”
“Your partnership, your help, your support has been extremely important,” said Hazar Imam. It was their first meeting since the Prime Minister assumed office in November 2015.
Mawlana Hazar Imam and Justin Trudeau have known each other since the Prime Minister’s childhood, when Trudeau’s father, the late Pierre Elliott Trudeau, served as Canada’s 15th prime minister.
Earlier today Hazar Imam toured the future international headquarters of the Global Centre for Pluralism, which is presently undergoing renovation. Situated along Sussex Drive in Ottawa, the heritage building — which formerly housed Canada’s War Museum — is due to become the Centre’s international headquarters.
Mawlana Hazar Imam is in Canada to attend various meetings and events in Ottawa and Toronto. On Thursday he will deliver introductory remarks at the Annual Pluralism Lecture taking place at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto.
