Canada and Norway Strengthen Strategic Cooperation on Arctic Security, Energy, and Technology
Canada and Norway Strategic Cooperation Expands Across Arctic Security and Technology
OSLO — Canada and Norway have announced a strengthened framework for bilateral cooperation focused on Arctic security, energy transition, emerging technologies, and economic resilience following a meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The announcement came during Carney’s visit to Oslo on March 14, his first official trip to Norway as Canada’s prime minister. In a joint statement, the two leaders emphasized the longstanding partnership between Canada and Norway, rooted in shared democratic values, strong economic ties, and their roles as Arctic nations and founding members of NATO.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening transatlantic cooperation and maintaining NATO as the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Shared Commitment to Arctic Security
A major focus of the discussions was security in the Arctic region, which both countries described as increasingly strategic.
Canada and Norway agreed to deepen defence cooperation through joint military exercises such as Exercise Cold Response and Operation NANOOK, which help strengthen Arctic readiness among NATO allies.
The leaders also announced plans to establish a bilateral Arctic dialogue aimed at expanding collaboration on defence, security policy, and scientific research in the region.
Canada and Norway will also explore new cooperation in Arctic satellite communications, including interoperability between military communications systems designed for northern operations.
Continued Support for Ukraine
The two countries reiterated their strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Canada and Norway pledged to continue coordinating sanctions against Russia and working with allies to strengthen military assistance and reconstruction efforts for Ukraine.
The countries also announced plans to host a Ministerial Conference in Toronto on September 28–29, 2026, focused on humanitarian issues related to the war, including the return of prisoners of war, detained civilians, and deported Ukrainian children.
Expanding Industrial and Economic Partnerships
Canada and Norway also committed to expanding economic cooperation in strategic sectors including space technologies, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and critical minerals.
The partnership aims to strengthen supply chains, promote innovation, and encourage greater collaboration between Canadian and Norwegian companies.
Officials have also been tasked with exploring potential modernization of the Canada-EFTA Free Trade Agreement to improve economic resilience and expand trade opportunities.
Cooperation in Space and Emerging Technologies
The Canadian Space Agency and the Norwegian Space Agency are working toward a new memorandum of understanding aimed at expanding cooperation in space-based technologies.
The initiative will focus on capabilities important for Arctic operations, including earth observation, satellite communications, navigation systems, and maritime domain awareness.
The countries also announced plans to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence and sovereign digital technologies, including exploring Norway’s possible participation in the Sovereign Technology Alliance.
Strengthening Energy and Environmental Collaboration
Canada and Norway, both major energy producers, also committed to expanding collaboration on energy security and clean technologies.
The leaders highlighted opportunities to share expertise in both conventional energy production and emerging technologies that support the global energy transition.
They also reaffirmed commitments to climate action under the Paris Agreement and to global biodiversity targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Both governments pledged to continue cooperation on ocean sustainability and climate action in the Arctic, including efforts to reduce methane emissions and protect marine ecosystems.
Longstanding Northern Partnership
As Arctic nations with deep economic and security ties, Canada and Norway emphasized their shared responsibility to ensure stability and sustainable development in the North.
The leaders said the strengthened cooperation framework reflects a broader effort to build resilience against global security challenges while promoting innovation, economic growth, and environmental stewardship.
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