Macron and Carney Agree to Strengthen France-Canada Ties Amid Tensions with US
World
French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in the economy, defence, energy and advanced technologies. Their talks took place on September 20 in the French territory of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, near Canada’s Atlantic coast, amid strained relations between both countries and the United States.
At a joint press conference, Macron said France and Canada were “two great independent nations who want to remain so.” Carney, meanwhile, said the time had come to significantly strengthen Canada’s ties with France and the European Union.
The two sides discussed strategic cooperation in aerospace, energy, critical minerals and advanced technologies, including quantum computing, satellite systems and supercomputing. The leaders also directed their space agencies, defence ministries and industries to develop common space infrastructure, including launch systems and ground reception and control facilities.
Energy security was another key topic. Macron highlighted Canada’s significant resources of critical minerals, oil and natural gas and said France wanted agreements that would enable increased supplies of liquefied natural gas to Europe’s Atlantic coast.
Carney also proposed a four-way framework involving France, Canada, the United States and China to coordinate the development and governance of artificial intelligence. The two leaders also reaffirmed plans to expand cooperation in fisheries, regional security, energy infrastructure and climate resilience.
The talks followed Carney’s visit to Brussels and Strasbourg, where discussions included the possibility of granting Canada “associate member” status with the European Union. Macron backed closer cooperation between Canada and the EU.
The meeting also came amid discussions over a US-Danish agreement on Greenland’s security. Macron said the arrangement respected Danish sovereignty and international law, adding that steps that help reduce tensions should be viewed positively.
The Canadian government said the Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon meeting was the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister to the French territory. The leaders agreed to continue their discussions in New York during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The two sides discussed strategic cooperation in aerospace, energy, critical minerals and advanced technologies, including quantum computing, satellite systems and supercomputing. The leaders also directed their space agencies, defence ministries and industries to develop common space infrastructure, including launch systems and ground reception and control facilities.
Energy security was another key topic. Macron highlighted Canada’s significant resources of critical minerals, oil and natural gas and said France wanted agreements that would enable increased supplies of liquefied natural gas to Europe’s Atlantic coast.
Carney also proposed a four-way framework involving France, Canada, the United States and China to coordinate the development and governance of artificial intelligence. The two leaders also reaffirmed plans to expand cooperation in fisheries, regional security, energy infrastructure and climate resilience.
The talks followed Carney’s visit to Brussels and Strasbourg, where discussions included the possibility of granting Canada “associate member” status with the European Union. Macron backed closer cooperation between Canada and the EU.
The meeting also came amid discussions over a US-Danish agreement on Greenland’s security. Macron said the arrangement respected Danish sovereignty and international law, adding that steps that help reduce tensions should be viewed positively.
The Canadian government said the Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon meeting was the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister to the French territory. The leaders agreed to continue their discussions in New York during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
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