Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is about to take repoeter questions at the G20 summit in Argentina. Thread here.
Trudeau opens with condolences for the family of George H W Bush. Calls the former president a friend of Canada. 
Trudeau is defending the relevance of the G20, saying international challenges require cooperation to find solutions. (The relevance of multilateral institutions has been questioned over the last couple of years with the rise of populism).
First question to Trudeau is about the blandness of the G2 communique, and how it doesn’t mention key issues, asked what’s the point? Trudeau says primary role of G20 is to bring world leaders to talk about economic growth.
Trudeau says the communique mentions WTO reform, something Canada supports, also defends the mention of supporting women and girls in education, climate change for countries that support the Paris Accord.
Note: Canada has faced criticism over its climate plan, with serious questions about whether Canada can meet its own targets.
Trudeau asked about whether he likes the G20 communique. He says that anytime this group of leaders can agree it’s a good thing.
!!! Trudeau says during the leaders retreat, he says he spoke directly to President Putin about his concerns about actions in Ukraine, and asked him to release the sailors. Says he also spoke directly to MBS about the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and Yemen. !!!
Trudeau also says last night he had a conversation with MBS to discuss the diplomatic discord between Canada and Saudi Arabia that’s been going on since August. Saying Canada would stand up for human rights. Asked for the release of Raif Badawi.
Trudeau says the G20 is the forum where these kinds of conversations can happen.
Trudeau is asked what Vladimir Putin said to him after Trudeau spoke out at the leaders retreat? Trudeau says Putin didn’t have an opportunity to speak after. Says there is Hope among allies there will be a deescalation if tensions in Ukraine.
Trudeau says he thinks conversations, direct and frank ones are better than not talking.
Trudeau won’t say what the leaders said in response to what he said.
Trudeau says Yemen has come up a number of times at the summit.
Trudeau is asked what Canada would do if there is a ceasefire in Yemen? Says Canada would work with allies.
Trudeau is asked about what kind of political pressure, if there is any, to deal with the crisis in Yemen? Trudeau said he made that point at the leaders retreat, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
