Macron, Carney Deepen Canada-France Economic, Defense Ties

French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to deepen economic and defense ties between their countries following a meeting on Sunday in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, a French territory off the coast of Canada.

The leaders discussed opportunities to share infrastructure in the space and defense sectors, as well as cooperation in energy, telecommunications, climate resilience, and economic development. According to a statement from Carney's office, discussions included aerospace, energy, critical minerals, and advanced technologies such as quantum computing, satellites, and supercomputing. The meeting occurred amid strained relations between Canada and the United States, with Macron stating that Europe needs to become more sovereign, particularly on security, in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's second mandate.

Carney, who has been involved in a dispute with Trump, welcomed the European Union's offer of associate member status to Canada. Macron and Carney emphasized shared values, with Macron stating that France and Canada, and Canada and the European Union, are united by democracy, the rule of law, respect for free and fair trade, science-based decisions, and strategic autonomy.

Carney said the time had come to tighten links based on shared values. Carney also proposed a joint initiative on artificial intelligence involving France, Canada, the United States, and China.