Japan-Canada Summit Meeting

On March 6, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi held a summit meeting with the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, at the Prime Minister’s Office. 

Following a salute and guard of honor ceremony, the two leaders held a meeting and attended a signing ceremony and a joint press occasion. They then held a working dinner.

At the joint press occasion, Prime Minister Takaichi stated as follows:

“On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada on the occasion of his visit to Japan.

Canada is our like-minded partner that plays a vital role in promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). Prime Minister Mark’s visit to India, Australia, and Japan demonstrates his strong emphasis on the Indo-Pacific, which I find very encouraging.

Canada is also an important partner for Japan in advancing cooperation in the field of economic security, which I myself strongly promote.

At our meeting earlier, Mark and I agreed to elevate Japan–Canada relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” We will develop this partnership so that it is not only in name but also in substance.

Mark and I also signed the Japan–Canada Leaders’ Joint Statement. This is the first summit document between our two countries to comprehensively determine the strategic direction for both Japan and Canada to pursue.

Going forward, with this joint statement serving as our ‘guidepost,’ Mark and I will vigorously advance the ‘path’ of cooperation between Japan and Canada.

Let me introduce some of the concrete areas of cooperation between Japan and Canada that we agreed upon during his visit to Japan.

On the security front, we concurred on further strengthening Japan–Canada security cooperation, including through the further expansion of joint exercises, building on the legal infrastructure such as the Agreement on the Security of Information and the Agreement concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. This will contribute to building a resilient Indo-Pacific.

We also concurred on launching a Cyber Policy Dialogue.

We concurred on further strengthening information sharing in peacetime and mutual cooperation in times of crisis, taking into account the Memorandum of Cooperation on Assisting Japanese and Canadian Nationals Abroad that was recently signed.

Japan and Canada are also deepening cooperation that contributes to maritime security, including efforts to counter illegal fishing and ship-to-ship transfers. I welcome the signing of three Memoranda of Cooperation on maritime cooperation on this occasion.

Next, on the economy. Canada’s abundant natural resources and Japan’s technological capabilities are complementary, and concrete projects involving companies from both countries are steadily progressing.

For example, production at LNG Canada, which is of great significance for Japan’s energy security, began last year, and construction of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)--the first of its kind in the G7--also began in Ontario. In addition, projects related to critical minerals such as graphite are underway.

Today, Mark and I concurred on further increasing such concrete successful cases. Going forward, we will work together to support further expansion of two-way investment and promote even greater business exchanges between our two countries.

I also welcome the agreement reached to newly establish an Economic Security Dialogue. With Canada, we will seize every opportunity to advance concrete initiatives, including cooperation in advanced technologies such as AI and quantum, as well as strengthening critical mineral supply chains.

In 2028, Japan and Canada will mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Under the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” that begins today, Mark and I will work hand in hand to open a new chapter in Japan–Canada relations as we move toward this historic milestone.

Following this, Mark and I will continue our discussions over dinner on international developments, including the Indo-Pacific and the current situation surrounding Iran. At a time when the international situation is so challenging, Mark’s visit and our discussions today are highly meaningful. Mark, once again, thank you. Thank you so much.”