Prime Minister John Key finds new buddy in Canada's Justin Trudeau

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, Prime Minister John Key, center and Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull leave after a group photo. Photo / AP

Claire Trevett reports from Lima in Peru where Prime Minister John Key has been attending the annual Apec leaders' summit.

US President Barack Obama is stepping out but Prime Minister John Key may have already found a new buddy in Canada's Justin Trudeau.

Key and Trudeau were spotted horsing around as the Apec leaders, wearing Peruvian shawls, filed in for the traditional "family photo" at the Lima Convention Centre today.

Trudeau stood in front of Key and, laughing, started standing on his tip toes and holding his arms out to try to block Key out of the photo altogether.

Barack Obama could be seen looking over to see what the hilarity was about.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blocks the view of New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key, during the official group photo at APEC. Photo / AP

Key said later it was prompted by him accusing Trudeau of trying to block him out by standing in front of him. "I just said typically, he's trying to block me out."

Asked if it was a budding bromance, Key got a bit bashful. "Oh no, he's got a great sense of humour, Justin. A bit of a laugh."

Key was due to have a bilateral meeting with Trudeau while in Apec, but it was cancelled.

Key said he had had plenty of time to catch up with Trudeau on the sidelines of other meetings so the formal meeting was not needed.