Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron say their two countries plan to collaborate on issues ranging from the war in Ukraine to artificial intelligence.
A joint statement between Trudeau and Macron was released as the French leader wrapped up his two-day visit to Canada. He arrived from New York on Sept. 25 and dined at Trudeau’s home at Rideau Cottage. Macron made stops in both Ottawa and Montreal during his brief trip.
The two said they discussed “the extremely difficult situation in Lebanon” during a Sept. 26 morning meeting in Trudeau’s office.
France and Canada were among several countries that on Sept. 25 issued a call for a three-week ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border, a proposal supported by some Arab countries. The two leaders also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the ability to deliver humanitarian aid to the area.
France and Canada also presented a united front on the war in Ukraine.
Macron’s visit comes after France’s senate voted in March to reject a trade deal between the European Union and Canada, a move Macron said he regretted.
The two leaders also said they will focus on protecting the ecosystem and fighting climate change.
“In response to the triple planetary crisis of climate warming, biodiversity loss, and pollution, we will continue to step up our cooperation, particularly in the fight against climate change and ocean protection,” the statement said.
The statement also noted that the two countries were working together to develop civil nuclear cooperation and to phase out the use of coal.
On artificial intelligence, Trudeau and Macron said they were “mindful” of the risks and benefits of the technology.
“The Canada-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence published today reiterates our commitment to responsible, safe AI that respects human rights and democratic values,” the statement said.
“In addition, our two countries will continue to work together to establish a digital dialogue on platform governance and ensure that AI is designed, developed, and deployed ethically and in compliance with copyright.”
In the Indo-Pacific, both countries will beef up “strategic and military analysis” and study opportunities for joint patrol missions, such as possibly integrating Canadian support in the deployment of a French aircraft carrier, the joint statement said.
The two countries will also increase communication to better respond to “foreign interference operations and information manipulation,” the statement said.
Macron and Trudeau were in New York earlier this week for the opening of the United Nations General Assembly, and they will meet again next week, this time in France, for the Francophonie summit.
Macron last visited Canada in 2018 for a meeting of the G7 leaders.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
