Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced a partnership with her Japanese counterpart to exchange military intelligence between the two countries.

The meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi took place on Tuesday.

This partnership between the two countries aims to “promote the interests and values ​​that Canada and Japan share […] to contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the minister’s office said in a statement.

Together they want to play a leading role in strengthening security cooperation in this region. Among other things, the two G7 countries are committed to protecting the supply of natural energy resources such as liquefied natural gas.

“By working with Japan, Canada ensures a safer Indo-Pacific. By sharing intelligence, we will be able to better counter threats at home and work with our partners to create more stability in the region,” Mélanie Joly said on Twitter on Tuesday.

“The Indo-Pacific relationship will continue to be a driver of growth for Canada and our partners for decades to come,” she also said in a statement. I look forward to my visits to South Korea and Japan to show that Canada is a reliable partner in a free and open Indo-Pacific today and for decades to come.”

By the way m.^me Joly condemned Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian civilians. She assures us that we will work closely with the other G7 countries to prepare a response to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This deal between Canada and Japan comes as Minister Joly is in Asia until October 15. The purpose of his visit is to develop Canada’s relations with the countries of the Indo-Pacific to counter threats to the international order and strengthen security cooperation.