PARIS, FRANCE — French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have announced closer ties between their countries on fishing, security, and energy, in a move that signals deepening cooperation amid strained relations with the United States.
The two leaders made the announcement on Sunday following a bilateral meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris, where they discussed a range of issues including trade, defence, climate change, and the evolving geopolitical landscape. The meeting underscored a shared desire to strengthen the relationship between France and Canada, particularly in areas of mutual strategic interest.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Macron described Canada as “a natural partner” for France and emphasised the importance of deepening cooperation in the face of global uncertainties. He noted that both countries share common values and a commitment to multilateralism, and that their partnership was more important than ever.
“France and Canada have a long history of friendship and cooperation. Today, we are taking our relationship to a new level, with concrete commitments on fishing, security, and energy. This is a partnership that is rooted in shared values and a shared vision for the world,” Macron stated.
Carney, who assumed office as Canada’s Prime Minister in 2026, echoed Macron’s sentiments, describing France as “a key ally” for Canada. He said the agreements reached during the meeting would strengthen economic ties, enhance security cooperation, and advance the transition to clean energy.
“Canada and France are natural partners. We share a commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and sustainable development. Today’s agreements will create jobs, strengthen our economies, and enhance our collective security,” Carney said.
The two leaders announced a series of measures aimed at boosting cooperation in key areas. On fishing, they agreed to strengthen collaboration on sustainable fisheries management in the North Atlantic, including joint efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. They also committed to working together to protect marine ecosystems and to support coastal communities.
On security, France and Canada agreed to deepen cooperation on counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, and cyber security. They also announced plans to increase joint military exercises and to enhance collaboration in peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to NATO and to the defence of democratic values.
In the area of energy, the leaders announced a new partnership on clean energy, including cooperation on hydrogen, nuclear energy, and renewable power. They agreed to work together to accelerate the transition to net-zero emissions and to support developing countries in their efforts to access clean energy.
The meeting comes amid strained relations between both countries and the United States, following recent trade disputes and differences over foreign policy. The Trump administration’s “America First” agenda has created tensions with traditional allies, prompting countries like France and Canada to seek closer ties with one another.
Analysts said the agreements signal a shift in the geopolitical landscape, with traditional allies seeking to diversify their partnerships and reduce their dependence on the United States. They noted that France and Canada share a strong commitment to multilateralism and to the rules-based international order, and that their cooperation could serve as a model for other countries.
“The United States has become an unpredictable partner under President Trump. Countries like France and Canada are responding by strengthening their ties with each other and with other like-minded nations. This is a significant development in the global order,” said Dr. Marie-Claire Dubois, a professor of international relations at Sciences Po in Paris.
As the two leaders concluded their meeting, they reaffirmed their commitment to working together on global challenges, including climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality. They also announced plans to hold regular bilateral summits and to expand people-to-people exchanges between France and Canada.
“We are building a partnership that will endure. France and Canada are stronger together, and we will continue to work side by side to build a better world for our people and for future generations,” Macron said. Carney, in his response, said, “Canada values its relationship with France, and we are committed to deepening our cooperation in the years ahead.“
