France and Canada Strengthen Transatlantic Cooperation
Istanbul (ANTARA) - French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have agreed to strengthen transatlantic relations and cooperation in defence, energy, and strategic sectors during a historic meeting in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
“At present, being a sovereign nation means more than just being able to feed, supply energy, and defend oneself,” Carney stated during the meeting. He noted that modern sovereignty also requires secure access to artificial intelligence, space technology, semiconductors, critical minerals, and clean energy.
The bilateral meeting, held in the French overseas territory located approximately 25 kilometres from the coast of Newfoundland, marked the first official visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Macron welcomed Carney’s visit as an effort to rectify a “historical anomaly,” as no Canadian Prime Minister had previously visited the islands.
He emphasised that both nations are united by democratic values, international law, and a commitment to strategic autonomy. In the fields of defence and aerospace, Macron welcomed a contract signed on Friday between the French space monitoring company Aldoria and Canada’s Treasury Board.
The contract includes the provision of space monitoring data for the Canadian Armed Forces Space Division. Carney stated that both nations have tasked their respective defence ministries and space agencies to develop and share joint infrastructure, including launch systems and receiving facilities.
Macron also highlighted Canada’s position within the coalition of nations supporting Ukraine. Regarding concerns over fuel prices and energy supplies due to tensions in the Middle East, Macron noted that Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects could contribute to European energy security. He stated that bilateral discussions regarding several concrete projects have already commenced. Both leaders agreed to discuss short-term energy challenges at the upcoming G7 meeting specifically focused on energy issues.
Simultaneously, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the medium-term energy transition. In the economic sector, Macron and Carney welcomed a strategic partnership between CCI France and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to tighten ties between the business communities of both countries. They also discussed cooperation in critical minerals, rare earth metals, quantum technology, and artificial intelligence.
To strengthen regional integration, Macron stated that he has requested the French Minister for Higher Education to cover the tuition fee difference for students from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon studying at Canadian universities. Both leaders also called for the Regional Cooperation Commission between Atlantic Canada and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to expand cooperation in several priority areas.
These areas include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, economic growth, energy transition, climate change resilience, and telecommunications cables. Macron also proposed cooperation with Canada to provide new vocational training opportunities, particularly in the fisheries sector.
Both countries also announced the formation of the Canada-France Polar Research Forum, which will be held alternately in both nations following its inaugural edition in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation between their respective meteorological agencies and develop early warning systems through the CREWS initiative.
Ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York, Macron stated that France and Canada hold aligned positions on several international priorities, including the issue of Palestine, the protection of children on social media, and the regulation of artificial intelligence.