German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is due in Ottawa Friday to meet Anita Anand, David McGuinty and Dominic LeBlanc. The German Foreign Ministry said talks will focus on security, defence and future technologies to foster a long-term strategic partnership.
The talks are also likely to touch on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to make Canada the EU’s first “associate member.” Von der Leyen cited technology, defence-equipment production, artificial intelligence and Arctic policy as possible areas for closer cooperation. Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was open to a special form of EU membership despite opposition from US President Donald Trump.
Wadephul’s Canada visit is a side trip during his participation in the UN General Debate in New York. Germany and Canada mark 75 years of diplomatic relations this year. Wadephul is due back in New York Friday evening to speak for Germany at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, standing in for Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
