PM Seeks to Strengthen Luxembourg’s Relationship With Canada

Luxembourg’s Ministry of State has reported that Prime Minister Luc Frieden paid a working visit to North America from Friday 6 to Monday 9 February 2026, with stops in Boston (US) and Ottawa (Canada).

The ministry reported that against a backdrop of international uncertainty, Luxembourg is seeking to rely on stable partnerships with nations that share the same values. This message also formed the core of Prime Minister Frieden’s speech at the European Conference at Harvard Kennedy School on Friday 6 February 2026, during which he set out his vision of a strong, united and action-oriented Europe, capable of responding to a rapidly changing international environment while building on solid cooperation guided by shared principles.

In Ottawa Prime Minister Frieden met with his Canadian counterpart, Mark Carney. Discussions focused on key international issues as well as prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation. Luxembourg and Canada maintain a strong partnership based on a long-standing friendship and a shared history, notably marked by Canada’s hosting of the Grand Ducal Family and the Luxembourg Government during the Second World War.

During their bilateral talks, the two leaders emphasised their shared determination to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries, particularly in the financial and satellite sectors. In this context, Luxembourg can assume its traditional role as a reliable partner and gateway to the entire European market.

In addition, to address security challenges, the two Prime Ministers agreed to move forward swiftly and jointly on strengthening multilateral financial capacity in the field of defence efforts, notably through the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, which could help mobilise additional capital.

The ministry added that the importance Luxembourg attaches to Canada was further demonstrated by the opening of a Luxembourg embassy in Ottawa last year and noted this major step reflected a clear and reciprocal intention to strengthen political dialogue, intensify economic exchanges and further deepen relations between the two countries.

The ministry also highlighted the launch in Luxembourg, from 1 January 2026, of McGill University’s Master’s programme in Financial Management, which represented a “significant step forward for the country’s academic and financial profile”.

“Luxembourg and Canada are linked by a history, a friendship and a partnership that have grown stronger over the decades, and we share a common commitment to the values of democracy, the rule of law and multilateralism. Together, Luxembourg and Canada have a strong desire to deepen their transatlantic cooperation, whether in the fields of security, defence, finance, space or innovation. Our ambition is clear: to build, together with Canada, an even stronger and forward-looking relationship,” Prime Minister Frieden said.

In Boston, Prime Minister Frieden also visited Harvard University’s Biodesign Lab. The visit highlighted projects aimed at developing innovative technological solutions to improve daily mobility and autonomy for older people, as well as for patients living with Parkinson’s disease or who have suffered a stroke. These projects illustrate academic excellence, applied innovation and the commitment of young Luxembourg talents to developing practical solutions to challenges linked to ageing and neurological conditions.