BRUSSELS - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Wednesday to reaffirm strong trade and economic ties between Canada and the European Union.

The meeting followed US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 25-percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports upon entering the United States. Discussions focused on enhancing trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

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The leaders also addressed global trade dynamics and stressed the importance of their Strategic Partnership Agreement and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in promoting economic stability.

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They underscored Canada-EU collaboration, particularly in the context of Canada's G7 Presidency, to navigate an increasingly competitive global landscape.

"We are highlighting the fact that there were job losses, significant ones, in the United States the last time that they brought in tariffs ... and that this will actually compromise growth and prosperity in the United States," Trudeau told a press conference.