Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): In a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements ahead of the G7 Summit, Canadian leader Mark Carney met with global heads of state and industry leaders, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to deepening international partnerships in trade, security, technology, and climate resilience.
Carney kicked off the diplomatic engagements by hosting newly elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Ottawa. “Ahead of the G7, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and I are meeting in Ottawa to discuss how Canada and the United Kingdom can work more closely together, to expand trade, create more opportunities for our workers and businesses, and strengthen transatlantic security,” said Carney, underlining a renewed emphasis on UK–Canada collaboration in the post-Brexit era.
Carney also highlighted Canada’s growing influence in the AI sector, welcoming Cohere CEO Aidan Gomez alongside Prime Minister Starmer. “A Canadian success story, Cohere, is expanding its business in the United Kingdom and working with our government to ensure AI is developed safely and responsibly,” said Carney. “Together we’re creating more opportunities in AI on both sides of the pond.”
In a demonstration of strong ties with the Indo-Pacific region, Carney met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and celebrated the depth of bilateral relations. “Whether it’s trade, security, critical minerals, or even getting Vegemite back on our shelves, Canada and Australia are getting a lot done, together,” said Carney with a touch of humour. He also extended his gratitude to Australian firefighters aiding Canada in its ongoing battle with wildfires, saying, “On behalf of Canadians, my thanks to the Australians who’ve travelled to the other side of the world to help us fight the wildfires.”
Carney’s global outreach continued with a crucial meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa. “As G7 and G20 presidents, Canada and South Africa are leading in the face of similar challenges and opportunities. With the rules-based system under threat, international cooperation is more important than ever,” Carney stated, reinforcing Canada’s global leadership role.
Finally, Carney met with Germany’s Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, emphasizing deepening cooperation in energy, defence, and technology. “Germany is a strong ally to Canada, and our nations have more opportunities for collaboration ahead on energy security, emerging technologies, and defence. Together, we’ll seize them,” he said.
With the G7 Summit on the horizon, Carney’s series of bilateral meetings signals Canada’s assertive global posture and commitment to building strong alliances to tackle shared challenges — from climate and AI to trade and democratic resilience.
