Carney Strengthens Ties with U.K., Iceland, Australia, and Spain at Global Progress Action Summit
London, U.K. – Prime Minister Mark Carney advanced Canada’s economic, security, and diplomatic agenda last week, meeting with leaders from the United Kingdom, Iceland, Australia, and Spain on the margins of the Global Progress Action Summit in London.
Meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
Carney and Prime Minister Starmer built on momentum from earlier meetings in Ottawa and at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. Both leaders emphasized deepening trade through the ratification of the U.K.’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and expressed openness to future expansion of the agreement.
They also discussed Middle East peace efforts, reaffirming support for a two-state solution following Canada and the U.K.’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine. Carney reiterated calls for Hamas to disarm and release hostages, while highlighting the need to support the Palestinian Authority’s reform agenda.
On security, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine and discussed Russian incursions into NATO airspace, underscoring NATO readiness to deter aggression. In a lighter moment, Carney presented Starmer with a Team Canada rugby jersey ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup final between Canada and England.
Ravi de retrouver mon ami @AlboMP à Londres aujourd’hui.
D’énormes possibilités s’offrent au Canada et à l’Australie dans des secteurs clés comme la défense et les minéraux critiques. Nous développons nos industries et nos échanges au profit de nos travailleurs et entreprises. pic.twitter.com/4U4MmDSTp0
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) September 26, 2025
Meeting with Iceland Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir
In talks with Iceland’s Prime Minister Frostadóttir, Carney underscored the importance of Arctic security and transatlantic unity, noting the unique ties between Canada and Iceland, home to the largest Icelandic diaspora outside Iceland. The leaders agreed to deepen economic and security cooperation through NATO and the Arctic Council, while reaffirming support for Ukraine.
Meeting with Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Carney’s meeting with Prime Minister Albanese highlighted opportunities to strengthen trade through CPTPP and to expand defence cooperation, including recent technology partnerships for Arctic surveillance. The leaders also advanced discussions on critical minerals under the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan and explored shared challenges in fast-tracking affordable housing construction.
Meeting with Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
Carney and Prime Minister Sánchez committed to expanding bilateral trade while deepening collaboration on defence and security through NATO and the European Union. Both leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine and addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing the urgent need for a ceasefire, release of hostages, and scaled-up aid.
Looking Ahead
Through these meetings, Carney underscored Canada’s role as a reliable partner in trade, security, and diplomacy. By reinforcing alliances with major European and Indo-Pacific partners, Canada aims to strengthen global stability while unlocking new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.
📌 Follow GTA Today on social media for more local and international news updates. #GTAToday
