Canada and Greece sign security information agreement

Canada and Greece have signed a General Security of Information Agreement aimed at strengthening security cooperation and expanding opportunities for Canadian businesses in Greece.

The agreement was announced Tuesday by Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.

The signing took place in Athens, Greece, with Canadian Ambassador Sonya Thissen and Major General Emmanouil Chatzis, representing Greece, serving as signatories. The event was attended by Greek Minister of National Defence Nikolaos Dendias and General Dimitrios Choupis, chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.

The agreement establishes a framework for the secure exchange of classified information between authorized government institutions and contractors. It covers sensitive areas, including defence intelligence and technical data related to weapons systems.

According to the federal government, the agreement is expected to strengthen cooperation in trade, innovation, advanced technologies and security while creating opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.

Canada and Greece also share interests in naval security, coastal infrastructure protection and maritime intelligence. Both countries are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Once in force, the agreement is expected to improve Canadian companies' access to the Greek market, support collaboration involving specialized workers and advanced defence technologies, and strengthen joint efforts to monitor maritime activity, protect infrastructure and counter transnational threats.

The federal government says the agreement builds on existing trade, investment and innovation ties between the two countries and supports Canada's efforts to strengthen economic relationships with European partners.