Canada-Japan at 95: strong and forward-looking; ambassador emphasizes the multifaceted ties of countries

Canada and Japan have deepened ties as strategic partners, with the shared goal of addressing challenges to the rules-based international order. To mark the 95th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Canadian Ambassador to Japan Ian McKay contributed the following piece to The Japan News.

***

Although our ties go back much further, this week – May 21, 1929 – marked the 95th anniversary of Canada opening its official mission to Japan, formalizing full bilateral diplomatic relations between the two countries. Today, our relationships are flourishing in multiple areas, including politics, defense, trade and investment, science and technology, and people-to-people connections.

In the 95 years since diplomatic ties between Canada and Japan were established, the relationship has never been more important. The Canada-Japan Action Plan commits our two countries to work together on initiatives that promote the rule of law, economic growth, energy security, biodiversity and climate change, and Japan is central to Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Canada’s increased defense presence in the Indo-Pacific creates new opportunities to work with Japan, including the visit of three Royal Canadian Navy frigates to Japan last year and more deployments in 2024. There is also an increased regional presence for the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Canadian Army and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Collaboration and information sharing in areas such as cyber, space and Women, Peace and Security continue to grow. Canada has also expanded its efforts to enforce international fisheries agreements and combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the North Pacific.

Thanks to our complementary economies, the commercial relationship between Canada and Japan is flourishing. As founding members, Canada and Japan work together in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Canada will chair in 2024. Canada is working with Japan to build resilient, secure and sustainable supply chains, including for critical technologies and minerals. supported by a well-functioning rules-based multilateral trading system.

As we celebrate Canada and Japan’s 95th anniversary and look ahead, the relationship is rapidly expanding with many new opportunities to work together. Numerous Canadian delegations are visiting Japan to discuss security, trade, science, environment, education and culture, and we are preparing to showcase the very best of Canada as we work with Japan to deliver an unforgettable Canada Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

The enhanced cooperation between Canada and Japan is taking place in an increasingly difficult geopolitical, economic and environmental context, but our solid foundation is a source of strength. During their meetings last year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reaffirmed their determination to tackle global challenges together, particularly by working together in the context of Canada’s 2025 Group of Seven (G7) presidency and beyond – with they promised to protect our democracies, human rights and uphold the rules-based international order.

Canada and Japan are natural partners. Our collaboration frameworks underline our common values ​​and priorities, and our shared vision for the future. As we celebrate all we have accomplished together since 1929, I am excited about the enormous potential of the Canada-Japan relationship and all we can achieve over the next 95 years.