FRANCE AND CANADA DEEPEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP ACROSS KEY SECTORS

French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed to strengthen cooperation between their countries as they seek closer coordination on security, energy, trade, climate change and emerging technologies. The leaders reached the understanding during a meeting on Sunday in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, a French territory located off Canada’s Atlantic coast. Their discussions focused on strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two countries amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges.

Macron and Carney directed their space agencies, defence ministries and relevant industries to work together on common space infrastructure, including launch systems and ground-based reception and control facilities. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, aerospace, energy security, telecommunications and climate resilience. The Canadian government said the partnership is intended to strengthen security and economic resilience while creating opportunities for industries in both countries and across the European Union.

The two leaders also discussed Canada’s relationship with the European Union, following a proposal for Canada to become the bloc’s first associate member. Macron expressed France’s support for closer Canada-EU ties, while Carney has argued that stronger links with Europe would help Canada diversify its economic and strategic relationships. The leaders also welcomed a new partnership between the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and France’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry aimed at increasing business ties, expanding bilateral economic cooperation and diversifying trade.

Energy security was another major issue during the meeting, with both countries discussing the impact of international conflicts on global energy supplies. Macron indicated that Canadian liquefied natural gas could play a greater role in supplying European markets, while Canada highlighted its potential in both conventional and clean energy. The countries also agreed to cooperate more closely on issues including wildfire management, climate resilience, early-warning systems and the transition towards lower-carbon energy.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of strained relations between Canada and the United States and wider geopolitical tensions. Macron and Carney reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, international law, free and fair trade and national sovereignty. They also discussed the war in Ukraine, European and transatlantic security, the Middle East and Arctic affairs, with both leaders expected to continue their discussions in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.