Canada and France have agreed to deepen cooperation in defense and space technology, including plans to jointly develop and share space launch systems and ground infrastructure.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and French President Emmanuel Macron announced the expanded partnership following talks in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, the French territory off Canada's Atlantic coast.

The two leaders directed their countries' space agencies, defense ministries and industries to work together on common space infrastructure.

The cooperation is expected to include space launch systems as well as infrastructure capable of receiving and controlling satellite data.

The agreement forms part of a broader effort by Canada and France to strengthen security, economic and technological cooperation on both sides of the Atlantic.

SPACE AGENCIES AND DEFENCE MINISTRIES TO WORK TOGETHER

Carney and Macron instructed their governments and industries to develop and share common space infrastructure.

According to the Canadian Prime Minister's Office, this includes launch systems and ground reception and control infrastructure.

The initiative could expand cooperation between the Canadian and French space and defense industries while providing both countries with greater access to strategically important infrastructure.

Specific projects, locations, costs and implementation timelines have not yet been publicly announced.

The announcement therefore represents a commitment to develop the partnership rather than confirmation that new launch facilities have already been approved or constructed.

DEFENCE COOPERATION ALSO EXPANDING

The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in defense and aerospace.

Canada and France are already NATO allies and have been expanding defense industrial cooperation.

In June, the two countries announced a General Security of Information Agreement designed to make it easier to exchange classified information involving defense, space, aerospace, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and maritime systems.

The latest agreement builds on that relationship by identifying space infrastructure as another area for closer strategic cooperation.

ENERGY SECURITY DISCUSSED

Carney and Macron also discussed energy security amid concerns about the effects of international conflicts on global energy supplies.

France is interested in strengthening access to Canadian energy resources, while Canada is seeking to diversify its international trade and deepen economic relationships with European partners.

Macron said Canadian liquefied natural gas projects could play an important role in supplying Europe.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen energy cooperation as Canada expands production and export opportunities involving both conventional and clean energy.

CANADA SEEKS CLOSER EUROPEAN RELATIONSHIP

The meeting also focused on Canada's relationship with the European Union.

Macron expressed support for closer Canadian integration with Europe as Ottawa seeks to diversify its international economic and security relationships.

The leaders discussed what they described as an alliance for the future between Canada and the European Union, based on strategic capabilities and shared economic and security interests.

They also welcomed a new partnership between the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and France's Chamber of Commerce and Industry aimed at increasing bilateral business and diversifying trade.

AI AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES INCLUDED

Artificial intelligence was another area identified for closer cooperation.

Carney and Macron said Canada and France, as countries with significant AI research and development capabilities, should work together on emerging technologies.

The two governments have already expanded cooperation in areas including quantum science and technology.

Their latest discussions place space, defense and AI within a broader effort to strengthen technological capabilities and reduce vulnerabilities in strategically important sectors.

SAINT PIERRE AND MIQUELON TAKES STRATEGIC ROLE

The location of the meeting carried particular significance.

Saint Pierre and Miquelon is a French territory located near Canada's Atlantic coast, making France and Canada geographic neighbors in North America.

Carney became the first Canadian prime minister to make an official visit to the territory.

The leaders highlighted its potential role in cooperation involving Atlantic Canada, energy, economic integration, climate resilience and cross border security.

They also reaffirmed Canadian sovereignty and French sovereignty over Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

CARNEY AND MACRON TO CONTINUE TALKS IN NEW YORK

The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine, European and transatlantic security, the Middle East and Arctic security.

Carney and Macron are expected to continue their discussions in New York during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Saint Pierre and Miquelon meeting nevertheless produced a concrete direction for deeper bilateral cooperation, with space infrastructure emerging as one of the most significant areas.

The next stage will involve Canadian and French agencies, defense ministries and industries developing proposals for how shared launch systems and satellite ground infrastructure could operate.