Canada Deepens Global Partnerships at G20 Summit as Prime Minister Carney Meets Leaders from Six Nations
Canada deepened global partnerships at the G20 Summit as Prime Minister Carney met with leaders from South Africa, the UK, Brazil, Jamaica, Ukraine, and India to advance trade, investment, and international cooperation.
Johannesburg, South Africa — Prime Minister Mark Carney held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, engaging with leaders from South Africa, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Jamaica, Ukraine, and India. The discussions advanced Canada’s economic, diplomatic, and security priorities at a time of significant global geopolitical shifts.
These meetings reflect Canada’s broader strategy to diversify trade, strengthen global partnerships, and support international stability.
Canada and South Africa Launch FIPA Discussions, Advance Energy and Finance Cooperation
Prime Minister Carney met with President Cyril Ramaphosa, congratulating South Africa on hosting the first G20 Summit on the African continent. The two leaders highlighted shared priorities across economic stability, energy security, AI, and critical minerals.
Key outcomes included:
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Launch of discussions toward a Canada–South Africa Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)
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Confirmation of FinDev Canada’s new Cape Town office opening in 2026
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Conclusion of negotiations on a Canada–South Africa Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
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Announcement of a South African trade mission to Canada in 2026, including participation at the Ag in Motion trade fair in Saskatchewan
Both leaders emphasized cooperation on wildfire management and agreed to accelerate new bilateral opportunities.
Congratulations to @CyrilRamaphosa on a successful G20 Summit — the first on African soil.
We just launched talks on an investment protection agreement to boost business between our nations, and create more opportunities for Canadians and South Africans, together. pic.twitter.com/jUG1cotOdE
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) November 23, 2025
Canada and the United Kingdom Reinforce Cooperation on Trade, AI, and Clean Energy
Prime Minister Carney met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, reaffirming their commitment to deepening the Canada–UK partnership.
Discussions focused on:
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Advancing trade and investment ties
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Expanding cooperation on AI
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Collaboration in clean energy and critical minerals
Both leaders reiterated unwavering support for Ukraine following a joint leaders’ meeting earlier in the day and committed to maintaining close contact.
Canada and Brazil Agree to Intensify Negotiations on Canada–Mercosur Trade Agreement
Prime Minister Carney met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss expanding bilateral trade and investment. The leaders agreed to accelerate negotiations toward a Canada–Mercosur free trade agreement, noting the bloc’s combined GDP of more than $4 trillion and significant opportunities for Canadian exporters in industrial goods, chemicals, forestry, and seafood.
Canada also outlined its new climate competitiveness strategy, while President Lula welcomed the engagement as countries work toward implementing commitments coming out of COP30.
Canada and Jamaica Strengthen Partnership Through Trade, Security, and Disaster Relief
Prime Minister Carney met with Jamaican Prime Minister and CARICOM Chair Andrew Holness to advance the Canada–Jamaica partnership within the broader Canada–CARICOM Strategic Partnership.
Canada underscored its support for Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, including:
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Deployment of food and medical kits
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Support through the World Food Programme and Canadian Red Cross
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Activation of the CAF Operational Support Hub to assist the Jamaican Armed Forces
The leaders also discussed climate-resilient reconstruction funding and committed to maintaining close engagement.
Canada and Ukraine Discuss Next Steps Toward a Just and Lasting Peace
Prime Minister Carney spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, focusing on diplomacy and pathways to a just, negotiated settlement.
According to the readout, the leaders:
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Welcomed President Trump’s ongoing diplomatic efforts
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Emphasized that Ukraine must remain central to any negotiation
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Supported international coordination, including the national security advisors’ meeting in Geneva and an upcoming Coalition of the Willing virtual meeting
Canada reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine and continuing close coordination.
Canada and India Formally Launch CEPA Negotiations to Double Trade by 2030
Prime Minister Carney met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, building on recent progress in bilateral relations, including the roadmap for engagement announced by both foreign ministers in October and the Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment held on November 13.
The two leaders formally launched negotiations toward a Canada–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) covering:
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Goods and services
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Investment
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Agriculture and agri-food
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Digital trade
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Mobility
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Sustainable development
Both countries expressed confidence that CEPA will help more than double two-way trade to $70 billion by 2030.
Additional outcomes included:
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Agreement to increase diplomatic staffing levels to support growing consular demands
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Progress on the Canada–India law enforcement dialogue
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Commitment to more reciprocal high-level visits
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Prime Minister Carney accepting an invitation to visit India in early 2026
Prime Minister Carney’s meetings at the G20 reflect Canada’s strategic push to diversify global trade, deepen security partnerships, and elevate economic cooperation with fast-growing regions around the world.
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