Carney meets European leaders in Ireland before heading to Philippines for ASEAN Summit

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 13, 2026

Photo courtesy: Presidential Communications Office

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined European leaders in Dublin on November 12 for high-level discussions on security and international cooperation before heading to the Philippines for the ASEAN Summit.

Carney attended the ninth European Political Community Summit, which brought together leaders from across Europe to discuss regional security, economic cooperation and geopolitical challenges.

Canada was the only non-European country represented at the gathering, marking its second participation in the forum.

The summit focused on strengthening European security, protecting democratic institutions and improving economic competitiveness. Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine was also a major topic of discussion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participated in discussions about the war and diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement. Carney emphasized the importance of security guarantees involving Europe, Canada and the United States.

The Canadian prime minister also had meetings scheduled with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Both countries are European Union members that have yet to ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU.

Canada and European leaders have also been exploring the possibility of Canada becoming an associate member of the EU, although the proposed arrangement has not been formally defined.

Philippines next on Carney’s agenda

Following his visit to Ireland, Carney was scheduled to depart for Manila on the evening of November 12 to attend the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.

His visit is expected to focus heavily on trade, investment and strengthening Canada’s economic relationship with Southeast Asia.

Canada is working to finalize a free trade agreement with ASEAN, a deal the Canadian government estimates could unlock more than $3.5 billion in exports.

Carney will also seek to conclude negotiations on a separate Canada-Philippines free trade agreement, which Ottawa expects could triple bilateral trade by 2035.

The proposed agreements are part of Canada’s efforts to expand trade opportunities beyond its traditional markets and strengthen economic ties with the Indo-Pacific region.

More international meetings ahead

The Philippines is the second stop on Carney’s four-country diplomatic trip, scheduled from November 11 to 19.

After Manila, he will travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for the Francophonie Summit, which brings together governments and institutions with ties to the French-speaking world.

Canada is scheduled to host the next Francophonie Summit in 2028.

Carney’s final stop will be Shenzhen, China, where he will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

The gathering will provide another opportunity for Canada to pursue trade and investment discussions with economies across the Asia-Pacific region.

The overseas trip comes as the Canadian government seeks to diversify its international partnerships, expand export markets and attract investment.