Carney tells Australian Parliament allies must draw closer as global order is ‘breaking down’

Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed Australia’s Parliament, urging closer ties between Canada and Australia as the global order shifts and reliable alliances become increasingly important. Carney highlighted opportunities for collaboration in critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and defence, alongside new agreements aimed at boosting bilateral business investment.

Strengthening Canada-Australia Ties

Carney, welcomed with a 19-gun salute in Canberra, met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his cabinet to discuss these initiatives. He described the two nations as “strategic cousins” well-positioned to navigate challenges posed by major global powers like the U.S. and China, who he said are weaponizing their economic influence.

“With that global architecture now breaking down from consecutive crises, I have come to Australia to reaffirm our alliance, and to suggest where we can go next,” Carney stated. He expressed optimism that a new, more prosperous, resilient, and just order could emerge from the current disruptions.

New Agreements and Strategic Partnerships

The two countries signed deals focused on critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and a new “tax and investment treaty” designed to encourage bilateral business investment. Carney and Albanese also announced a joint critical minerals alliance, aiming to collaborate on the development of lithium, uranium, and iron ore.

Combined, Canada and Australia control roughly a third of the world’s supplies of these resources, essential for manufacturing technologies like cellphones and electric vehicles. Carney also envisions Australia playing a key role in expanding Canada’s trade network, particularly in linking the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union.

Carney emphasized the importance of building a “dense web of connections” to enhance resilience and strategic autonomy, citing the recently formed Australia-Canada-India technology partnership as an example of this approach. He acknowledged past criticisms of global institutions, but stressed Canada’s continued commitment to multilateralism through focused collaborations.

“These new connections between Australia and Canada are greater than the sum of their parts. This is alliance reaffirmed, a friendship strengthened and a partnership to build greater prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific and beyond,” Carney concluded.