MONTREAL -- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Council President Donald Tusk ended a summit Thursday that was bathed in the symbolism of solidarity with critical words for U.S. President Donald Trump's inflammatory rhetoric towards female congresswomen.
Trudeau and Tusk also pledged to find ways to preserve a World Trade Organization appeals panel that faces paralysis in December if the Trump White House fails to appoint new members to keep it functioning.
Trudeau and Tusk repeatedly presented themselves as bulwarks against a world order under attack during their two-day summit in Montreal. But it was the spectacle of Trump's Wednesday night rally where attendees chanted "send her back" when the president referred to Rep. Ilhan Omar that forced them to point the finger at the president.
Tusk, the veteran Polish politician, is rarely reticent about speaking his mind, but he initially treaded carefully when asked about Trump, even though he drew attention to the controversy off the top of a joint press conference by saying that while he's been in Montreal no one shouted "send him back" at him.
Trudeau, however, denounced Trump's rhetoric more forcefully than he did earlier in the week, when the president unleashed the controversy with a weekend blast on Twitter -- but without naming him.
"The comments made were hurtful, wrong and completely unacceptable," the prime minister said. "And I want everyone in Canada to know that those comments are completely unacceptable and should not be allowed or encouraged in Canada."
Tusk, however, chose his words carefully, appearing almost pained at having to address the issue.
"I don't want to comment on your neighbour's internal politics today, but I think that for all of us, I was -- I've been for many years one of the most pro-American politicians in Europe. It's difficult to understand some facts, some words and sometimes if you feel that something is totally unacceptable, you have to react despite business, despite interests," Tusk said.
"For me, values are much more important than trade, sorry. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I will never change my opinion here."
Tusk and Trudeau lauded each other as friends and kindred spirits in the fight against rising populism, which threatens trade deals such as the comprehensive pact in goods and services between Canada and the European Union, known as CETA.
"Dear Justin, it is great to have you as a partner, and as a friend. In fact, I believe that you are Europe's best friend," said Tusk, who steps down this year from the council presidency.
Dat best friend of Europe comment. CETA is gonna be an awesome trade deal. Take notes, UK/US-ERA.