Canada PM Mark Carney arrives in Australia to strengthen Indo-Pacific ties

Prime Minister Mark Carney has arrived in Australia as part of his ongoing foreign tour, with a stated focus on strengthening bilateral relations with one of Canada’s long-standing allies.

According to a senior Canadian government official, engagement between Ottawa and Canberra has not been as active in recent years as it could have been. The visit is being positioned by the Prime Minister’s Office as an effort to reinforce cooperation amid global uncertainty and shifting geopolitical pressures.

Canada and Australia share historic ties and are both members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Carney is scheduled to address the Australian Parliament on Thursday and is expected to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over the weekend. The two leaders are also expected to discuss joint security initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region.

Carney’s trip comes in his first year as prime minister. His predecessor, Justin Trudeau, did not travel to Australia during his time in office.

Context: Canada and Australia cooperate through defence, intelligence and trade frameworks, including the Five Eyes partnership. The Prime Minister’s Office has indicated further announcements related to Indo-Pacific cooperation may follow the bilateral meetings.