“I have a feeling we’re going to get along very well.”
That’s how Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau greeted Costa Rican President-elect Carlos Alvarado during their phone conversation last week. The two leaders discussed climate change, renewable energies, multilingual education and Cabinet-level gender parity (an achievement of Trudeau’s and an aspiration of Alvarado’s).
“The best thing about a gender-equal Cabinet is not even the symbolism or the example. It’s the quality of conversation and outcomes you get from a Cabinet that is more diverse,” Trudeau told Alvarado.
The Costa Rican president-elect reminded Trudeau that Costa Rica would be more than happy to receive Canadian climate change and renewable energies researchers when they need a break from northern climes.
“I hear you have some harsh winters,” he joked, before taking his French for a brief spin. The musician-turned-politician also professed his love for Canadian band Rush, suggesting that not only Trudeau, but also Alvarado’s favorite band of all time might make the trip to Costa Rica for the country’s bicentennial celebrations in 2021.
Here’s the full conversation as captured by Semanario Universidad:
