Australia–Canada Leaders Announce Expanded Cooperation on Economy, Defence and Clean Energy
Umesh Dhakal
KNA- Canberra
Canberra, Australia : The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, welcomed the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, to Canberra for his first official visit to Australia as Prime Minister. The leaders acknowledged the Ngunnawal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land where the meeting was held and recognised the people and families with connections to the lands of the Australian Capital Territory and surrounding region.
The leaders reaffirmed the strong partnership between Australia and Canada, built on shared values including parliamentary democracy, multiculturalism, equality before the law, and respect for First Nations cultures, knowledge, and peoples. They also welcomed the 40th anniversary of the Canada–Australia Consular Services Sharing Arrangement, describing it as a pioneering partnership that expands global access to consular support for citizens of both countries and reflects the deep trust between them.
Both leaders reaffirmed their strong strategic alignment and commitment to an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and to a rules-based international order founded on rights and cooperation rather than coercion or force. They acknowledged growing global and regional security challenges and noted that the longstanding friendship between Australia and Canada provides a solid foundation for stronger strategic collaboration.
Advancing Economic Security and Prosperity
The leaders emphasised that strong domestic economies supported by fair, open, and predictable global trade are essential for shared prosperity. They welcomed the upcoming 10th Australia–Canada Economic Leadership Forum to be held in Vancouver in May 2026, highlighting the important role of business engagement between the two countries.
Both leaders directed their economic ministers to begin formal and regular discussions aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and identifying new pathways for shared prosperity, resilience, and security both domestically and across the Indo-Pacific region.
The Treasurer of Australia and Canada’s Minister for Finance and National Revenue will work together to strengthen cooperation in taxation, two-way investment, economic security, and key macroeconomic policy areas. Industry ministers will also collaborate more closely to strengthen industrial policy and economic resilience.
Australia and Canada also committed to promoting cooperation between regulators to facilitate access to safe and effective agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, animal feed, crop protection products, and pest control technologies. These arrangements aim to enhance food security, support agricultural productivity, and strengthen trade while maintaining high environmental, health, and safety standards.
The leaders also agreed to modernise the Australia–Canada Tax Treaty to encourage greater bilateral investment, including joint investments in major nation-building projects. Given that both countries have large pension investment sectors, they welcomed increased collaboration between financial institutions and pension funds in Australia and Canada.
Clean Energy and Artificial Intelligence Cooperation
The leaders welcomed the signing of a new Australia–Canada Clean Energy Partnership. This initiative will strengthen cooperation in clean energy technologies, electricity grid modernisation, and the development of secure and sustainable energy supply chains. The partnership aims to create jobs, drive economic growth, and support both countries’ transition toward net-zero emissions.
To address the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence, the leaders welcomed enhanced cooperation between the Artificial Intelligence Safety Institutes of Australia and Canada through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement will support information sharing, joint research on AI safety, and talent exchange between the two countries.
Critical Minerals Collaboration
Recognising their global leadership in the production of critical minerals, Australia and Canada agreed to deepen collaboration to support resilient and transparent supply chains. Both countries committed to working together to shape global critical mineral markets in ways that reflect fair trade, strong labour protections, and high environmental standards.
The leaders also welcomed progress under the Joint Declaration of Intent on Critical Minerals Cooperation and confirmed that resources ministers from both countries will meet annually to advance cooperation in investment, supply chain resilience, and technical expertise.
Defence and Security Cooperation
Acknowledging the evolving global security environment, the leaders agreed to enhance defence cooperation through the establishment of a biennial Defence Ministers’ Meeting.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on the development of Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) technology, combining Australia’s expertise through the Jindalee Operational Radar Network with Canada’s experience operating radar systems in Arctic conditions.
Both countries will also explore opportunities to strengthen defence industry collaboration, advance research and development, and improve interoperability between their armed forces through joint training and personnel exchanges.
Disaster Resilience, Space Cooperation and Public Policy
The leaders highlighted the strong cooperation between Australian and Canadian firefighters and welcomed a Joint Declaration of Intent between Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency and Public Safety Canada to strengthen collaboration in disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and research.
They also agreed to expand civil space cooperation between the Canadian Space Agency and the Australian Space Agency, particularly in Earth observation missions to support global bushfire and wildfire monitoring.
Finally, the leaders agreed to reinvigorate the Canada–Australia Public Policy Initiative to encourage exchanges between senior officials on key policy areas such as government modernisation, online safety, social cohesion, and strengthening trust in democratic institutions.
The visit reaffirmed the deep and enduring partnership between Australia and Canada and highlighted the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening economic security, defence cooperation, and global stability.
Source: Government of Australia/PM Media
