Canada Explores Intelligence Cooperation with Europe

SEAToday.com - Jakarta - Canada is looking to strengthen intelligence cooperation with European nations as tensions rise with the United States over several issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly made this statement on Tuesday (02/ 25), as reported by Canada Press. She emphasized that Canada must have a clear understanding of global dynamics to safeguard its national interests.

"Now more than ever, we need to establish strong security partnerships with the UK and other European allies," Joly stated as quoted on Antara.

She expressed concern over the US taking a stance that diverges from its allies, particularly after voting against a UN Security Council resolution on Ukraine on Monday.

Joly also noted that she remains in constant communication with officials from the UK, Australia, and Europe regarding intelligence cooperation. Additionally, she stressed Canada's commitment to maintaining "working relationships" with countries that hold different perspectives, such as South Africa, India, and Saudi Arabia.

On the same day, Financial Times (FT) reported that senior US adviser Peter Navarro suggested Canada could be excluded from the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance.

The report claimed that this move was part of former President Donald Trump's broader strategy to integrate Canada as the 51st US state.

However, Navarro dismissed the FT report, calling it "a product of media culture that often publishes claims without citing sources." He also reassured that he would never take actions that would compromise US national security.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas