Prime Minister Carney Announces Canada–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership During Tokyo Visit

Canada Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Expands Defence, Energy and Technology Cooperation

TOKYO — Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a sweeping Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Canada and Japan, aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence, energy, trade, and emerging technologies while deepening economic ties between the two countries.

The announcement came during Carney’s visit to Tokyo on March 6, where he met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Following their discussions, the two leaders released a joint statement outlining an expanded framework for bilateral cooperation designed to strengthen economic security and reinforce stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The partnership reflects Canada’s broader strategy to diversify international partnerships and expand economic opportunities abroad amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

Strengthening a Major Economic Relationship

Japan is one of Canada’s most important economic partners, with nearly $40 billion in bilateral trade and significant investment ties.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Japan represents a $5.5 trillion economy and is Canada’s fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment.

Japanese companies also play a significant role in Canada’s manufacturing sector. Approximately 70 per cent of the vehicles produced in Canada are manufactured by Japanese automakers, supporting thousands of Canadian jobs.

Carney said strengthening the Canada–Japan relationship will help both countries expand trade, attract investment, and build resilient supply chains in critical industries.

Prime Minister Takaichi and I are launching an ambitious new Strategic Partnership.

Canada are Japan are going to work together in defence, energy, critical minerals, trade, and technology to unlock enormous opportunities for our workers and businesses. pic.twitter.com/ph2dckkblV

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 6, 2026

Expanding Defence and Security Cooperation

The new strategic partnership also places strong emphasis on defence and security collaboration.

Canada and Japan already work together through initiatives such as Operation NEON, Canada’s Indo-Pacific mission monitoring sanctions enforcement related to North Korea.

Under the new agreement, the countries will:

• Launch three bilateral Memorandums of Cooperation covering international emergency response, joint Coast Guard exercises, and action against illegal fishing in the North Pacific

• Expand joint naval and military exercises, including joint operations between the Royal Canadian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force

• Explore potential Japanese participation in Canada’s Operation NANOOK, an Arctic military exercise

• Establish a Canada-Japan Cyber Policy Dialogue to strengthen cooperation against cyber threats

The two governments also committed to increasing collaboration between Canadian and Japanese defence industries on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space security.

Trade, Energy, and Critical Minerals Cooperation

In addition to security initiatives, the partnership outlines several steps to strengthen economic cooperation.

Officials from both countries will identify new investment opportunities, including through pension funds, while trade missions and business delegations are expected to further expand commercial ties.

Canada and Japan also committed to expanding cooperation in strategic sectors including:

• Liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas

• Clean energy technologies, including hydrogen, nuclear innovation, and carbon capture

• Critical minerals supply chains

• Semiconductors, batteries, and advanced manufacturing

The countries will also modernize the Canada-Japan Joint Economic Committee, which has supported bilateral economic cooperation for more than five decades.

Technology and Innovation Partnerships

Both governments emphasized deeper collaboration in advanced technologies, including AI, quantum computing, clean technologies, and cybersecurity.

Officials will expand joint research and development initiatives and encourage stronger collaboration between Canadian and Japanese startup ecosystems, venture investors, and innovation networks.

The two countries also agreed to enhance cooperation on Arctic science and climate research, including marine ecosystem monitoring and fisheries science.

Broader Diplomatic Strategy

Carney’s visit to Japan is part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen Canada’s global partnerships.

The trip follows recent visits to India, where Canada secured more than $5 billion in commercial agreements, and Australia, where new partnerships in defence, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence were announced.

The Prime Minister said strengthening alliances with trusted partners is key to protecting Canada’s economic security while creating high-paying jobs and attracting new investment.