Norway, Canada to deepen defense cooperation in Arctic

Norway and Canada plan to strengthen defense cooperation, including more joint training exercises and operations in the Arctic, the Norwegian government said on Monday, reported Xinhua.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store met with his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney, in Ottawa on Sunday to discuss closer bilateral cooperation.

In a press release, Store said: "Arctic security is important to the national security of both our countries."

According to the press release, the two countries issued a joint statement saying that they intend to pursue an enhanced defense cooperation agreement after negotiations are concluded on Canada's submarine procurement project. The agreement would build on a defense memorandum of understanding signed in 2023.

Canada decided in July to procure the same type of submarines as Norway and Germany, paving the way for defense, industrial and technical cooperation among the three countries.

Store said the submarine partnership would strengthen Norway's and NATO's ability to monitor northern sea areas and create opportunities for Norway's defense industry.

The leaders also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. Other areas of cooperation include closer collaboration between their polar research institutions and the safe use of artificial intelligence to improve public services.

The talks followed Carney's visit to Norway in March, when the two countries agreed on a broader strategic partnership that included Arctic security.