Macron and Carney to hold talks on strengthening Canada-France economic and defense ties

French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the strengthening of ties between their nations during a joint news conference on Sunday. The bilateral summit took place on the French territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, located off Canada's Atlantic coast, amid strained relations with the United States.

Carney expressed the urgency of boosting ties with France and the European Union, following a high-profile visit to Brussels and Strasbourg. There, the European Commission proposed granting Canada associate member status within the bloc. Macron affirmed that Paris and Ottawa would collaborate to deepen cooperation in key sectors such as fisheries, regional security, and energy infrastructure.

Beyond bilateral relations, Carney proposed a four-way framework involving France, Canada, the US, and China to oversee the development and governance of artificial intelligence. The leaders' discussions followed a working lunch and multiple high-level meetings earlier in the day.

The summit comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump's tariffs, demands for economic concessions, and threats to make Canada the 51st US state. These actions have prompted Canada to seek deeper economic, security, and political ties with Europe. Macron highlighted Canada's resources in critical minerals, rare earths, oil, and natural gas, and expressed interest in securing more liquefied natural gas for Europe's Atlantic coast.

The meeting also addressed the potential US military expansion in Greenland, respecting Danish sovereignty and international law. Macron welcomed this resolution, emphasizing its positive impact on easing tensions.