In an address to the Australian parliament, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that at a time when continuous crises are undermining the post-World War II world order, Australia and Canada must act as “strategic cousins,” writes the BBC.
The Canadian prime minister said the question that middle powers must ask themselves is whether they can create new rules that will create security and prosperity, or whether they will allow world powers to dictate the outcome. Carney stressed that the two countries must continue to work together to strengthen sovereign capabilities, including in the areas of mineral extraction, defense and the use of artificial intelligence. His speech echoed previous views, including those expressed at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, where the Canadian said that the old world order was gone and called on middle powers to work together.
Carney said on the 5th of March that many countries are choosing to strengthen their sovereign autonomy, and at a time when the law is no longer protecting them, that is understandable.
After speaking to parliament in Canberra, Carney joined Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for a press conference. The two announced an action plan that will strengthen the relationship between the two countries in a number of areas. These include defense, security and cooperation between space agencies. Australia will also join the G7 Critical Minerals Alliance, which Carney called the largest trusted democratic mineral reserves association in the world. Canada and Australia together produce a third of the world’s uranium and lithium, and more than 40% of the world’s iron ore.
Before Carney addressed parliament, Albanese said
Australia and Canada must find and create new ways to stand up for each other and work together.
He noted that the two countries share common beliefs and values. As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, both leaders called for a reduction in tensions. Albanese said the world hopes for de-escalation and wants to see Iran end its targeting. He added that the attacks have also targeted Gulf states not involved in the conflict, and civilians and tourist sites are also at risk. At the same time, the politicians stressed that a ceasefire is not possible until Tehran is deprived of its ability to produce nuclear weapons.
Albanese also referred to two anti-Semitic attacks in Australia last year, for which Iran is blamed. He said he wanted to see the long-standing threat that Iran poses to peace, security and stability, not only in the Middle East, but also in Australia, addressed.
Before arriving in Australia, Carney spent four days in India, where he signed agreements worth billions. It is considered a major diplomatic achievement in relations with Delhi. Canada-India relations have been tense for several years, and this was caused by accusations directed at Delhi by Carney’s predecessor for its involvement in the 2023 murder of a Sikh separatist in Canada.
After his visit to Australia, Carney will travel to Japan.
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