‘Canada is one of Norway’s close partners and a key NATO Ally. Our two countries share many fundamental values and have common interests in the Arctic. In this time of global instability, Norway needs to broaden its defence partnerships. We are now further strengthening our cooperation with Canada,’ said Prime Minister Støre.

Strategic partnership

When Prime Minister Carney visited Norway in March, the two leaders agreed to establish a strategic partnership to expand cooperation on crucial issues such as Arctic security, support for Ukraine, energy, economic security, critical minerals, space, artificial intelligence and climate change. In July, Canada decided to procure the same submarines as Norway and Germany, establishing a historic submarine partnership between the three countries.

Same type of submarines

‘Norway, Germany and Canada will be acquiring identical, highly advanced submarines. This will strengthen our ability and NATO’s ability to monitor the northern sea areas. This is vital to our collective security. The submarine partnership will also open up new opportunities for the Norwegian defence industry,’ said Mr Støre.

At the meeting in Ottawa, the two Prime Ministers highlighted the progress achieved in a number of areas of cooperation since Mr Carney's visit to Norway. They also issued a joint statement outlining how the strategic partnership is to be implemented in the time ahead.

‘We have agreed to draw up an agreement on establishing even closer defence cooperation. Arctic security is important to the national security of both our countries, and among other things we will be carrying out more joint training exercises and operations in the Arctic. Our national Coast Guards are already cooperating closely. We are also seeing innovative cooperation between Norwegian and Canadian companies, which are working together to develop new defence technologies. We want to see more of this,’ said Mr Støre.

The joint statement underscores that Norway and Canada remain committed to providing support to Ukraine.

Research

Research is a key focus area for cooperation, and the Norwegian and Canadian polar science institutes have agreed to work together more closely on research in the Arctic.

‘In order to maintain security and stability in the Arctic, we must increase our knowledge of this unique region. Climate change and the tense security situation are both very evident there,’ said Prime Minister Støre.  

Another key area for cooperation is the safe use of artificial intelligence to improve public services.