Canada, France agree to closer ties in defense, economy

French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a deeper cooperation between their countries in various sectors such as defense, energy, and business. The leaders discussed aerospace, energy, critical minerals, and advanced technologies including quantum computing, satellites, and supercomputing.

This development signifies Canada's increasing alignment with Europe as both nations face strained relations with the US. During Macron's visit to Saint Pierre and Miquelon, an overseas French territory near Canada's Atlantic coast, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, free trade, and strategic autonomy.

Macron emphasized that France and Canada share a common vision of independence and would work together on issues such as fishing, security, and energy. The visit comes amid strained US relations, with Macron supporting Saint Pierre and Miquelon's French sovereignty.