In a significant diplomatic development, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, has concluded her visit to Japan and Malaysia, aiming to deepen strategic partnerships in the region. The visit, which took place on July 11, 2025, marked an important milestone in strengthening defence and security collaboration between Canada and Japan.
During her meeting with Iwaya Takeshi, Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Anand signed the Canada-Japan Security of Information Agreement. This agreement will enhance defence cooperation between the two countries, underscoring their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Minister Anand also engaged in discussions with Hayashi Yoshimasa, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, to address security and economic issues in the Indo-Pacific region. These conversations underscored Canada's dedication to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
At the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Post Ministerial Conference Plus Canada, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Minister Anand emphasized Canada's commitment to collaborating with ASEAN to address global security threats and enhancing economic security and supply-chain resilience. This reinforced Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), which aims to promote security, economic opportunity, and strong international partnerships.
The visit highlighted the importance of engaging with ASEAN in an era marked by increasing global instability. Minister Anand emphasized Canada's support for international law and ASEAN's central role in upholding a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. She also noted that Canada views the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as a vital platform for constructive dialogue on pressing global and regional challenges.
During her meetings with counterparts from Australia, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Laos, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, and Vietnam, Minister Anand advanced bilateral and multilateral economic opportunities, shared priorities, and cooperation in the region. These discussions focused on bolstering trade and investment opportunities for Canadian businesses.
The visit coincided with ongoing negotiations for an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA), which aims to provide Canadian companies with new preferential access to the ASEAN market. This agreement would further enhance trade relations between Canada and Malaysia, two key partners in the region.
Quick Facts:
• Canada enjoys steadily growing trade relations with Japan and Malaysia, underpinned by the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
• The CPTPP provides Canadian businesses with preferential access to 10 Indo-Pacific markets.
• Ongoing ACAFTA negotiations seek to provide Canadian companies with new preferential access to the ASEAN market.
In conclusion, Minister Anand's visit to Japan and Malaysia marks an important step in strengthening Canada's strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. The agreements signed during her visit underscored Canada's commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, while advancing economic opportunities for Canadian businesses.