Ottawa — Canada and Sweden have formally adopted a wide-ranging Joint Strategic Partnership, advancing cooperation across economic development, security, defence, Arctic policy, innovation, climate action, and global engagement. The announcement was made through a joint statement issued today by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
In the statement, the two governments affirmed the depth of their relationship, writing:
“Canada and Sweden share a close relationship with extensive cooperation based on common values and mutual interests.”
The partnership reflects strengthened ties between the two Arctic, NATO-aligned nations and sets out a coordinated approach to major shared priorities, from economic resilience to defence cooperation.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values and Strategic Interests
Both countries emphasized their commitment to democracy, multilateralism, the rules-based international order, and human rights, including gender equality. As Arctic nations, the statement also highlighted a shared responsibility for sustainable development and meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples “in keeping with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and international law.”
The Strategic Partnership is aligned with existing Canada–EU agreements, including the Strategic Partnership Agreement and the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Strengthening Trade and Economic Resilience
The statement emphasizes that Canada and Sweden are “like-minded supporters of free and rules-based trade,” committed to strengthening bilateral economic ties and reducing vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
The partnership prioritizes:
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Critical minerals
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Clean energy
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Advanced manufacturing
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Innovation and research
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Industrial competitiveness
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Secure supply chains
These areas are central to both countries’ efforts to increase economic resilience and expand access to global markets.
Deepening Security and Defence Cooperation
Given global instability, the statement underscores the importance of defence collaboration. As NATO Allies, the countries committed to expanding joint work on:
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Military exercises and training
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Defence innovation and capability development
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Cybersecurity and hybrid threat response
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Defence logistics and secure supply
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Arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation
Both governments reiterated their “unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity” and vowed continued cooperation on sanctions enforcement and countering destabilizing activities by Russia.
Shared Vision for Arctic Cooperation
Both nations highlighted their commitment to Arctic stability, reaffirming the Arctic Council as the leading forum for cooperation. The partnership includes collaboration on:
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Arctic research
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Indigenous culture and language
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Polar infrastructure and connectivity
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Civil safety and defence in northern regions
Advancing Innovation, Health, and Digital Transition
The partnership outlines coordinated work in science, innovation, and technology, including:
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Artificial intelligence
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Quantum technologies
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Space cooperation
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Secure next-generation wireless networks (5G and 6G)
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Life sciences and biomanufacturing
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Pandemic preparedness and health emergency response
The agreement encourages cooperation through international research bodies such as the European Space Agency and Horizon Europe.
Climate Action and Clean Energy
Canada and Sweden reaffirmed their commitments to the Paris Agreement and pledged to accelerate efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The partnership includes collaboration on:
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Clean electricity and nuclear energy
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Decarbonized steel
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Critical minerals
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Small modular reactors
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Plastic pollution reduction
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Biodiversity protection
Both nations remain part of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution by 2040.
Implementation and Oversight
The Strategic Partnership is organized into five pillars:
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Economic development and trade
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Security, defence, and resilience
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Arctic cooperation and North-North connections
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Digital transition, science, research, innovation, health
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Climate, environment, and energy
An action plan will be drafted, with annual reviews conducted by Global Affairs Canada and Sweden’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, alongside relevant departments and agencies.
The joint statement clarifies that the partnership is not legally binding, and may be amended or terminated by mutual consent.
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