Canada–Australia Joint Statement 2026 Mark Carney and Anthony Albanese Strengthen Strategic Partnership

The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, held high-level talks in Canberra with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, during his first official visit to Australia since becoming Canada’s leader. The meeting took place in Canberra, where both leaders highlighted the deep historical partnership and shared democratic values between Canada and Australia.

The leaders began by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land in the Australian Capital Territory and recognised the importance of Indigenous cultures and knowledge in both countries. They emphasized that the relationship between Canada and Australia is built on common values such as parliamentary democracy, multiculturalism, equality before the law, and respect for First Nations communities.

A significant milestone discussed during the meeting was the 40th anniversary of the Canada–Australia Consular Services Sharing Arrangement, a unique agreement that allows citizens of both countries to receive consular support from each other’s diplomatic missions around the world. The leaders described the arrangement as a symbol of deep trust and practical cooperation between the two nations.

Strategic Alignment in a Changing Global Environment

Both leaders noted that the current global environment is becoming increasingly complex, with growing geopolitical competition and security risks affecting regional and international stability. They agreed that stronger collaboration between Canada and Australia will help address these challenges and support a stable and open international order.

Canada and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Leaders stressed the importance of global systems based on rules and rights rather than coercion or force. Strengthening alliances and partnerships was identified as essential in navigating modern geopolitical tensions.

Strengthening Economic Security and Trade

Economic cooperation formed a major part of the discussions. Both leaders emphasized that strong domestic economies supported by fair and predictable global trade are essential for national prosperity.

The two countries welcomed the upcoming 10th Australia-Canada Economic Leadership Forum, scheduled to take place in Vancouver later in 2026. The forum aims to bring together business leaders, policymakers and investors from both nations to strengthen commercial ties.

Canada and Australia agreed to establish regular meetings between their economic ministers to explore new pathways for collaboration. Finance ministers and senior officials will discuss tax cooperation, investment frameworks, macroeconomic developments, and strategies to improve economic resilience.

The leaders also announced plans to modernize the existing tax treaty between the two countries to encourage more investment in major infrastructure and development projects. Given that both countries manage some of the world’s largest pension funds, leaders welcomed growing collaboration between Canadian pension funds and Australian superannuation funds.

Clean Energy and Climate Cooperation

A major highlight of the visit was the announcement of a new Australia-Canada Clean Energy Partnership. Through this agreement, both countries plan to increase cooperation in renewable energy technologies, clean energy supply chains, and modern electricity infrastructure.

The partnership aims to unlock new trade and investment opportunities in emerging energy sectors while helping both nations move toward net-zero emissions goals. Leaders said the cooperation could also help create new jobs and support sustainable economic growth.

Collaboration on Artificial Intelligence and Technology

The two governments also agreed to deepen collaboration in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. A new memorandum of understanding will link the Artificial Intelligence Safety Institutes of both countries to strengthen research and information sharing.

This partnership will focus on evaluating AI systems, developing safety standards, and supporting responsible development of advanced technologies. Leaders emphasized that cooperation will also promote innovation while addressing risks linked to emerging technologies.

In addition to bilateral cooperation, Canada and Australia will continue working with India under the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation partnership. This trilateral initiative focuses on digital infrastructure, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and advanced computing.

Cooperation on Critical Minerals

Recognizing their global importance as suppliers of natural resources, both countries pledged stronger collaboration on critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.

Canada and Australia agreed to coordinate efforts to build resilient supply chains for these minerals, which are essential for modern technologies including electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and advanced electronics.

The leaders also confirmed closer cooperation between Canada’s Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund and Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve. Regular meetings between resources ministers will help coordinate policies and investment strategies in this sector.

Expanding Defence and Security Cooperation

Security cooperation was another key pillar of the discussions. Canada and Australia agreed to establish a biennial Defence Ministers’ Meeting to strengthen military collaboration and strategic planning.

Both nations also committed to joint development of advanced radar technologies, including work on an Arctic over-the-horizon radar system that combines Canadian Arctic expertise with Australia’s radar technology experience.

Leaders emphasized that increased defence collaboration will improve military interoperability and strengthen the ability of both countries to respond to shared security challenges.

They also agreed to enhance intelligence sharing and expand joint training exercises, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Cooperation on Border Security and Emergency Management

Canada and Australia highlighted the importance of strong cooperation between law enforcement and border agencies to combat transnational crime and illegal trafficking while maintaining efficient trade and travel systems.

The leaders welcomed the implementation of a new Canada-Australia Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement in 2026, which will strengthen cooperation between customs authorities.

In addition, both governments committed to expanding cooperation in emergency management and disaster response. The agreement builds on longstanding collaboration between firefighters and emergency personnel in both countries, particularly during major wildfire seasons.

Science, Space and Climate Research

The leaders also confirmed plans to deepen cooperation in space technology and climate science. The Canadian Space Agency and the Australian Space Agency will work together on satellite missions focused on Earth observation.

These missions will help monitor environmental changes, support wildfire detection, and improve disaster response through satellite imaging and data sharing.

Canada and Australia also agreed to expand joint research on polar science, focusing on climate systems, biodiversity, and environmental monitoring in Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Looking Ahead

The meeting in Canberra highlighted the growing strategic alignment between Canada and Australia in areas ranging from economic policy and clean energy to defence cooperation and emerging technologies.

Both leaders concluded that strengthening partnerships between like-minded democracies will be essential in addressing global challenges and ensuring long-term security and prosperity.

The visit by Prime Minister Mark Carney marks a new chapter in Canada-Australia relations, with both nations committing to deeper cooperation across economic, technological, and security sectors in the years ahead.