The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening its relationship with its European partners and expanding economic avenues for Canada.
Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, and the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the signing of a General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) with Portugal. The formal signing of the GSOIA took place in Lisbon, with Ambassador Élise Racicot representing Canada and Ms. Helena Malcata, Director-General for Foreign Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing Portugal.
Canada and Portugal share a long diplomatic history based on significant people-to-people ties and common values that underpin cooperation on regional and global issues. The two countries share a strong commitment to democracy, human rights and the rules-based international order, promoting effective multilateralism to develop effective responses to today's most pressing global challenges. Portugal is also an important trade partner and export market for Canada, with bilateral merchandise trade exceeding $3.2 billion in 2024.
This GSOIA will assist in fulfilling tangible benefits for Canadians, such as improved access to defence markets and technologies. Once entered into force, this agreement will:
- strengthen Canada's engagement with Portugal, a like-minded partner and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally, by establishing a framework that supports cooperation in operations, equipment sharing and collaboration on shared NATO priorities in the Atlantic
- expand markets and enhance Canadian industry competitiveness for contracts with Portugal
- provide a vehicle for Canada to access the Portuguese specialized workforce and the country's classified technologies
- provide the framework for the exchange of classified information with Portugal, including defence intelligence as well as sensitive operational information and technical data related to weapons systems
The agreement establishes a legally binding framework for the exchange of classified information between Canada and Portugal. It ensures that both Canada and Portugal maintain the highest standards of security while allowing the exchange of sensitive government information entrusted to authorized contractors and government institutions.
By reinforcing cooperation with Portugal, this agreement reflects Canada's broader commitment to building strong international partnerships that support trade, innovation and shared prosperity in a fast-changing global environment. It also reinforces Canada's role as a reliable ally in defence and security cooperation.
