PM Carney Strengthens Ties with Netherlands, Sweden, and Latvia at NATO Summit
Canada reaffirms transatlantic alliances, Arctic defence, and Operation REASSURANCE deployments during high-level talks in The Hague
The Hague, Netherlands – Prime Minister Mark Carney met with key European leaders on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in The Hague last week, reinforcing Canada’s global partnerships and reaffirming shared defence, trade, and diplomatic priorities.
Over the course of June 24, Carney held bilateral discussions with the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands and Sweden, the President of Latvia, and Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Each meeting underscored Canada’s deepening commitment to transatlantic co-operation and collective security.
Canada–Netherlands: A Shared Vision for Security and Innovation
In a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Prime Minister Carney expressed gratitude for the Netherlands’ role as host of the 2025 NATO Summit. The two leaders discussed the importance of strengthening Canada–EU ties and identified opportunities to boost economic co-operation in defence and critical minerals.
Carney also held a separate audience with Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. Discussions focused on free trade, innovation, and the enduring friendship between the two nations — rooted in historical alliances during the Second World War and sustained through decades of cultural and economic partnership.
Canada–Sweden: Arctic Security and Defence Procurement
Prime Minister Carney also met with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to deepen economic and security ties. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening NATO and enhancing maritime defence across the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. The discussion included plans to improve collaboration on defence procurement — a priority area amid Canada’s broader military modernization agenda.
Canada–Latvia: Supporting Operation REASSURANCE and Regional Stability
In talks with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Carney reiterated Canada’s strong support for Euro-Atlantic security and thanked Latvia for hosting Canadian troops deployed under Operation REASSURANCE.
With approximately 2,000 personnel stationed in Latvia, the operation represents the largest Canadian Armed Forces deployment abroad. The leaders explored opportunities to expand trade and investment, especially in the defence and energy sectors.
Carney also outlined Canada’s national plan to rebuild and reinvest in its military, reaffirming that the country will meet the NATO 2% defence spending target this year and accelerate investments in the years to come.
Each bilateral meeting concluded with a commitment to remain in close contact and continue strengthening Canada’s role in global security and multilateral co-operation.
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