Summary
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is visiting Laos to strengthen trade and political ties amid tensions over the conflict in the Middle East.
- Western nations, including Canada, have faced reputational challenges in Muslim-majority countries due to differing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- Trudeau aims to address concerns about human rights and counter claims of hypocrisy during the ASEAN summit.
- Canada’s focus at the summit is expanding trade with ASEAN countries despite regional tensions.