Prime Minister Carney Meets Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi to Strengthen Canada-Japan Partnership

Carney Meets Japan Prime Minister Takaichi to Expand Bilateral Cooperation

TOKYO — Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on March 6 during his bilateral visit to Japan, reinforcing the long-standing partnership between the two countries and outlining plans to deepen cooperation across defence, trade, energy, and emerging technologies.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Carney congratulated Takaichi on her recent election victory as the leaders reaffirmed the strong relationship between Canada and Japan, built on shared democratic values, economic ties, and cultural connections.

Canada and Japan maintain a significant economic partnership, with nearly $40 billion in bilateral trade and long-standing collaboration across industries including automotive manufacturing, financial services, and natural resources.

Expanding Cooperation in Defence and Security

During the meeting, the leaders discussed opportunities to expand defence collaboration between the two nations.

Both governments signaled interest in strengthening military cooperation, including potential collaboration on defence procurement and dual-use technologies that support both civilian and military applications.

Canada and Japan also discussed expanding joint work in advanced technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, aerospace, and space communications.

Thank you, Prime Minister @takaichi_sanae, for your warm welcome to Tokyo.

Canada and Japan are close and long-standing partners. In a more uncertain world, we’re ready to deepen our partnership to the benefit of both our peoples. pic.twitter.com/VUwM712cTF

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 6, 2026

New Areas of Bilateral Cooperation

The two countries also outlined new initiatives through three bilateral Memorandums of Cooperation aimed at enhancing coordination during international emergencies and protecting maritime security.

The agreements would support:

• Crisis response coordination, including cooperation to evacuate citizens during international emergencies

• Joint patrols against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the North Pacific

• Increased collaboration and exercises between the Canadian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard

Officials say these initiatives will strengthen maritime security and protect marine ecosystems across the Pacific region.

Energy and Economic Partnership

Carney and Takaichi also discussed expanding economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector.

The leaders highlighted opportunities to strengthen trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), hydrogen technologies, nuclear energy, and carbon capture initiatives.

Both governments emphasized that deeper cooperation in energy and critical mineral supply chains could strengthen economic resilience and support the transition to lower-emission energy systems.

Strengthening Technology and Cybersecurity Cooperation

The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation on emerging technologies and cybersecurity.

Canada and Japan agreed to increase coordination in addressing cyber threats while building stronger partnerships in advanced industries such as artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

Continued Diplomatic Engagement

As a sign of the strengthening relationship, Carney invited Takaichi to visit Canada in the future. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the partnership between the two countries continues to grow.

The meeting forms part of Canada’s broader diplomatic effort to deepen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, a key area of economic and geopolitical importance.