France and Canada Announce New Intelligence and Security Partnership Amid Global Uncertainty

Paris, France – March 17, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster international cooperation, France and Canada have unveiled a new bilateral partnership focused on intelligence and security. The agreement was announced during the inaugural overseas visit of Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris to formalize the initiative.

A Strategic Response to Global Threats

The partnership aims to enhance collaboration on a range of critical security issues, including cybersecurity, intelligence sharing, economic security, countering violent extremism, counter-proliferation, interference, espionage, sabotage, and threats associated with advanced technologies. Both leaders underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges amid increasing global instability and shifting alliances.

Prime Minister Carney emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with “reliable allies” like France, especially as relations with the United States have become strained over trade disputes and concerns about intelligence sharing under the current U.S. administration. “Canada and France are peaceful powers and reliable allies. We are stronger together,” President Macron stated ahead of the talks, highlighting the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations.

Deepening Economic and Political Relations

Beyond security, the partnership is designed to foster stronger economic and political relations. Discussions in Paris also touched on expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, critical minerals, clean energy, and defending rules-based free trade. Both countries reaffirmed their shared values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and committed to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Context and Implications

The announcement comes at a time when global security alliances are being tested. With the U.S. increasingly aligning with Russia and imposing tariffs on Canadian products, Canada is seeking to reinforce its relationships with trusted partners in Europe. Carney’s decision to make France his first foreign visit as prime minister signals a strategic pivot towards Europe and a commitment to multilateralism.

The new intelligence and security partnership is expected to result in more robust information sharing and coordinated responses to emerging threats, benefiting both nations’ security and economic interests.

As the world faces complex challenges, the strengthened alliance between France and Canada marks a notable step towards greater international cooperation and resilience.