President Emmanuel Macron embarked on a symbolic three-day visit to Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French territory off Canada's Newfoundland, where he hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. This visit marks the first by a French president in over a decade and the first-ever visit by a Canadian prime minister to the North Atlantic archipelago. The territory, consisting of three islands with under 6,000 people, is described by the Élysée as central to today's France.
During a joint news conference on Sunday, Macron and Carney called for stronger bilateral ties in the face of new global threats. The leaders announced plans to deepen economic, security, and defense ties, specifically focusing on cooperation regarding fishing and energy. Macron characterized the meeting as a very strong gesture of friendship.
The meeting comes at a time when both France and Canada are experiencing strained relations and growing tensions with the United States, including a trade war. Macron stated that France and Canada are two great independent nations who want to stay that way. The visit also signals a shift in Ottawa's foreign policy, as Canada seeks closer relations with France and the EU.