Monday March 16, 2026 | LONDON, UK
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends [VICTORIA, BC]
Today Prime Minister Mark Carney met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) Sir Keir Starmer during his bilateral visit to the UK.
In their pre-meeting chat in front of media cameras, Carney pointed out how the UK is providing leadership that brings coalitions together (notably the Coalition of the Willing regarding support for Ukraine).
This bilateral meeting builds on bilateral discussions between Carney and Starmer ahead of the June 2025 G7 meeting in Alberta.
The UK is currently Canada’s second-largest export market and is Canada’s second-largest source of inward foreign direct investment, said Blair in a short media availability, said Bill Blair who is Canada’s new High Commissioner to the UK.
Middle East:
Following their participation in last week’s G7 Leaders’ virtual meeting Carney and Starmer discussed the situation in the Middle East.
They condemned the Iranian regime’s missile and drone attacks, including on civilian and energy infrastructure, and expressed deep concern over the toll on civilians, the risk of further regional escalation, and the broader global economic consequences of the conflict, including rising energy prices.
A five-nation statement about the Middle East was later released, including Canada, UK, France, Italy and Germany.
Pressure on Russia:
Carney and Starmer also reaffirmed their determination to maintain pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression against Ukraine and underscored Canada and the UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine.
The two Commonwealth prime ministers affirmed the strength of the Canada-UK partnership and the work underway to deepen economic and security cooperation.
They emphasized innovative approaches to mobilize financing at scale to strengthen defence production and supply chains, including through initiatives such as the proposed Defence, Security and Resilience Bank.
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