Canada and Norway strategic partnership expands across Arctic security, AI, and defence cooperation
OSLO, NORWAY — Canada and Norway have reaffirmed their strategic partnership as Arctic allies following a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during Carney’s visit to Oslo on March 14.
The meeting focused on strengthening security, technological cooperation, and economic collaboration between the two countries, with a particular emphasis on Arctic security and emerging technologies. Following the talks, the leaders issued a joint statement outlining a new partnership centred on space technologies, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and Euro-Atlantic security.
Strengthening Arctic Security and Space Cooperation
A key pillar of the partnership involves expanding cooperation in space-based technologies that support security and surveillance in the Arctic and northern regions.
Canada and Norway plan to deepen collaboration on dual-use capabilities such as Earth observation, navigation systems, secure satellite communications, and maritime domain awareness. These technologies are increasingly important for monitoring activity across the Arctic and protecting northern sovereignty.
Both countries, founding members of NATO and Arctic nations with significant northern territories, see enhanced technological cooperation as essential to maintaining security and resilience in the High North.
The relationship between Canada and Norway is rooted in shared values, interests, and cooperation — as Arctic nations and founding members of NATO.
Prime Minister Støre and I are forging a new partnership — rooted in space-based technologies, A.I., critical minerals, and… pic.twitter.com/RdOrPLZiE1
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 14, 2026
Advancing Sovereign Artificial Intelligence Capabilities
The leaders also announced a joint initiative aimed at strengthening sovereign artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
Canada and Norway will collaborate on AI infrastructure, research and development, governance frameworks, and international standards. The initiative also aims to promote secure and diversified technology supply chains as governments seek to reduce dependence on foreign-controlled systems.
A separate joint statement on sovereign technology and AI outlines plans for expanded cooperation in AI research, digital infrastructure, and technology innovation.
Critical Minerals Partnership
Another major element of the agreement is a new memorandum of understanding on critical minerals, designed to support secure and resilient supply chains.
Canada and Norway will encourage expanded trade and investment in critical minerals while sharing technical expertise in mineral exploration, mining, and value-added processing. The agreement reflects growing international demand for critical minerals used in clean energy technologies, advanced electronics, and defence systems.
Defence and Industrial Collaboration
Defence cooperation was also a central topic during the meeting. Prime Minister Carney emphasized Canada’s efforts to strengthen allied defence supply chains and scale up defence production capacity.
The leaders highlighted growing industrial collaboration between the two countries, including a recent $9.6-million contract awarded to Kongsberg Vanguard LP — a joint venture involving Norwegian defence firms Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Salt Ship Design, along with Ottawa-based Adaptive Marine Solutions Inc.
The partnership will design the Canadian Coast Guard’s future mid-shore multi-mission vessels under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy.
The leaders also discussed the role of the proposed Defence, Security, and Resilience Bank in mobilizing financing to strengthen defence manufacturing and supply chains among allied nations.
Global Security and Support for Ukraine
Beyond bilateral cooperation, Carney and Støre addressed global security concerns, including the war in Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Both leaders reiterated their strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion. They also announced plans to host a ministerial conference in Toronto on September 28–29, 2026, aimed at supporting the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians.
The prime ministers also condemned missile and drone attacks by Iran targeting civilians in the Middle East and called for diplomatic engagement to prevent further regional escalation.
Expanding Canada–Norway Economic Ties
The meeting comes as Canada continues to diversify its global trade relationships and deepen cooperation with trusted partners.
Carney emphasized opportunities to strengthen commercial ties with Norway, particularly in technology, energy, and industrial sectors.
The Prime Minister also thanked Støre for convening the upcoming Canada-Nordic Summit in Oslo, which Carney is scheduled to attend.
The summit is expected to bring together leaders from Nordic countries and Canada to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, and Arctic policy.
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