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Relationship between Canada and Punjab important to build friendship with India: Justin Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday addressed his meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday, where the two met amid the backdrop of two members of Trudeau's cabinet allegedly having sympathy for a group of pro-Khalistan groups.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday addressed his meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday, where the two met amid the backdrop of two members of Trudeau's cabinet allegedly having sympathy for a group of pro-Khalistan groups.

Addressing the media, Trudeau said, "I am please to be able to refresh&renew relationship b/w Canadian governtment & Punjab CM.We know it's a relationship important to many Canadians.We will continue to look for ways to deepen investment to move forward&thr are many steps to come to improve that relationship."

On Wednesday, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said that he raised the issue of militancy with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his visit to the state.

The Canadian PM visit to Punjab had triggered a controversy over reported links between key members of his cabinet and Sikh separatists. However, speculation on whether he would meet Punjab chief minister was put to rest when it was announced that the two would hold a meeting.

The Congress leader earlier had refused to meet Trudeau, claiming the Canadian Prime Minister's cabinet members supported the formation of Khalistan, a separate Sikh state movement.

"I took up with Canadian PM, the militancy concerns we have. I raised the issue of  Khalistan as there is money coming in from various countries including Canada," said Captain Amarinder Singh.

"Really happy to receive categorical assurance from Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau that his country does not support any separatist movement. His words are a big relief to all of us here in India and we look forward to his government’s support in tackling fringe separatist elements," Amarinder Tweeted.

Earlier in the day, wearing a traditional Punjabi outfit with a saffron-colored cloth covering his head, Trudeau offered prayers at the Golden Temple, where he was presented with a traditional robe of honour.

He was later on Friday asked about his love for kurtas. “I've long been known to wear traditional clothes to broad range of events in different communities in Canada & elsewhere. Reaction of people on whether I'm wearing traditional clothing or suit & tie is extremely encouraging in Indo-Canadian friendship,” Trudeau responded.

In a white kurta-pyjama, the visiting premier prayed at the sanctum sanctorum of the temple during an almost hour-long visit to the shrine.

The prime minister and his family also tried rolling out rotis at the Guru Ram Das Jee Langar hall, where devotees do voluntary kitchen work for feeding visitors.

Among those accompanying the Canadian PM was his defence minister Harjit Sajjan.

Earlier on Friday, Trudeau also met Congress President Rahul Gandhi. His meeting came after he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the media on the Indo-Canadian ties.

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