Macron, Carney to discuss stronger France-Canada economic and defence ties

Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are set to hold talks on Sunday aimed at strengthening economic and defence cooperation between France and Canada during a meeting in the French archipelago of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. The discussions come days after Carney expressed support for the prospect of Canada becoming the European Union's first associate member, arguing that closer ties with Europe would help protect Canada's economic interests and sovereignty. Relations between Canada and Europe have gained greater prominence as Ottawa seeks to diversify its partnerships and reduce dependence on the United States amid trade tensions and tariff disputes. Speaking upon his arrival in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon on Saturday, Macron described the meeting as "an important moment" and said the talks would help strengthen bilateral economic and defence relations between the two countries. The French president also linked the discussions to broader efforts to enhance France's energy security as the conflict involving Iran continues to disrupt global energy markets. File picture of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. AP Macron noted that Canada possesses significant reserves of critical minerals and rare earth elements and is a major producer of oil and natural gas. He said France is seeking agreements that would secure additional liquefied natural gas supplies for Europe's Atlantic coast. According to Carney's office, the leaders will discuss expanding cooperation in key sectors including aerospace, energy, critical minerals and advanced technologies such as quantum computing, satellites and supercomputing. The meeting also follows a recent agreement announced by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, which will expand the US military presence on the island while maintaining Danish sovereignty. Macron welcomed the agreement, saying that Danish sovereignty and international law were being respected and that any development helping to ease tensions was positive.