Canada and France sign defense intelligence exchange pact

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a new defense and security agreement with France on Friday during a meeting in Paris with President Emmanuel Macron, a move aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation ahead of next week's G7 summit. The leaders said the agreement will facilitate the exchange of classified information between the defense, space, aerospace, and artificial intelligence sectors of both countries.

Carney and Macron held closed-door discussions on trade, defense, and security at the Palais de l'Élysée. Macron described Canada as a friend to Europe and France. The meeting, which officials framed as Canada passing the G7 presidency baton to France, could be one of the last between the two leaders, as Macron's second term is set to end in the spring of 2027.

The prime minister's visit to Paris marks the start of a six-day European trip that will also include his first official visit to Ireland before he attends the G7 leaders' summit in Évian-les-Bains, France. Europe plays a central role in Carney's foreign policy vision of diversifying Canada's trade and security partnerships beyond its traditional reliance on the United States.

In Ireland, Carney is scheduled to meet...