German Foreign Minister in Ottawa for Defense, Tech Discussions

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is visiting Canada on Friday, making a side trip during his participation in the UN General Debate in New York.

In Ottawa, Wadephul is scheduled to hold separate talks with his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, Defence Minister David McGuinty, and International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu.

A spokeswoman for the German Foreign Ministry said the discussions would focus on deepening cooperation in security and defence, as well as future technologies, with the aim of building a long-term strategic partnership between the two countries.

Germany and Canada are marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal to grant Canada "associate member" status with the European Union—a first for any country—is also expected to feature in the talks. Von der Leyen has pointed to technology, defence equipment production, artificial intelligence and Arctic policy as concrete areas where the EU and Ottawa could deepen cooperation.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he is open to some form of special EU membership arrangement, despite opposition from US President Donald Trump.

Wadephul is due to return to New York later on Friday evening, where he will address the UN General Assembly on Saturday on Germany's behalf, standing in for Chancellor Friedrich Merz.