Canada, Norway to deepen defence and Arctic cooperation during Støre visit

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Støre’s visit would focus on strengthening bilateral ties in key economic and strategic sectors, including sovereign technology, artificial intelligence and aerospace.

The leaders will also discuss defence and security cooperation, with a focus on strengthening resilience in the Arctic and North Atlantic, modernising defence capabilities and securing defence supply chains.

Focus on Arctic security

Canada and Norway, both Arctic nations and NATO members, have increasingly aligned their security priorities as concerns over the strategic importance of the Arctic and North Atlantic grow.

The two countries are members of the Maritime Security Partnership, which aims to strengthen cooperation among like-minded countries in support of collective defence and security in the region.

The leaders are expected to build on that cooperation during Støre’s visit, while also examining ways to strengthen industrial and technological capabilities supporting defence.

Trade, energy and critical minerals

Economic cooperation will also feature prominently in the talks, particularly in energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies.

Carney and Støre agreed during Carney’s visit to Norway earlier this year to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, space, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and security and defence.

Bilateral merchandise trade reached C$3.8 billion in 2025, with Canadian exports to Norway valued at C$2.3 billion and imports at C$1.6 billion.

Norway also offers a significant potential source of investment, with its sovereign wealth fund valued at more than $3.5 trillion.

Strengthening ties with European partners

Carney said Canada’s relationship with Norway was part of a broader effort to deepen ties with European partners amid growing global security and economic uncertainty.

“Canada and Norway are strong partners with growing ties in energy, defence, and technology,” Carney said.

“I look forward to hosting Prime Minister Støre as we deepen our economic relationship, strengthen the NATO Alliance, and create new opportunities for Canadian and Norwegian workers and businesses.”

Canada and Norway are also members of the Arctic Council, NATO and the United Nations.

Støre’s visit comes as Canada seeks to strengthen relationships with trusted allies while expanding cooperation in areas considered critical to national security, including energy, technology, defence and strategic supply chains.