Anita Anand meets Antonio Tajani in Rome Italy to strengthen Canada Italy trade defence cooperation and Ukraine support partnership

It was a brisk February day in Rome when Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, the Honourable Anita Anand, sat down with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani.

The meeting, held on February 16, 2026, wasn’t just another diplomatic handshake. It was a check-in on a partnership that has been quietly gathering momentum over the past few years.

Both ministers came to the table with a clear aim: make sure the Italy–Canada relationship keeps moving forward — and fast.

Taking Stock of the Italy–Canada Roadmap

At the centre of the discussion was the Italy–Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation. Think of it as a blueprint for how the two countries plan to work more closely together — politically, economically and strategically.

Anand and Tajani reviewed what’s already been achieved and what still needs pushing. Trade between Canada and Italy has been steadily growing, and both sides seemed keen to make sure that trend continues.

Italy remains one of Canada’s most important European partners, not only because of shared values but also because of deep cultural ties — more than 1.5 million Canadians claim Italian heritage.

Trade, Investment and the CETA Advantage

One of the biggest drivers behind expanding trade is Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, better known as CETA. The agreement has removed most tariffs between Canada and EU member states, making it easier for businesses to move goods across the Atlantic.

Minister Anand highlighted how CETA continues to benefit both countries — from Canadian agri-food exporters to Italian manufacturers and luxury brands. Since its provisional application in 2017, bilateral trade between Canada and the EU has grown significantly, and Italy has been part of that surge.

Energy and critical minerals also featured heavily in the conversation.

With global supply chains under pressure and Europe seeking to reduce reliance on unstable sources, Canada’s vast reserves of lithium, nickel and cobalt are drawing serious interest.

Italy, like many EU countries, is eager to secure reliable supplies for clean technology and electric vehicle production.

Defence, Security and Europe’s Strategic Shift

The two ministers also explored opportunities in defence and security cooperation. Canada’s inclusion in the European Union’s Security Action for Europe initiative opens the door to deeper collaboration in procurement, research and industrial partnerships.

This comes at a time when NATO allies are reassessing defence strategies amid ongoing instability in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Italy and Canada, both long-standing NATO members, share commitments to collective security and modernization of defence capabilities.

Ukraine and the Search for Stability

Unsurprisingly, Ukraine was high on the agenda. Canada and Italy have both supported Kyiv politically, financially and militarily since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Anand reaffirmed Ottawa’s commitment to stand with Ukraine and coordinate efforts toward a sustainable and just peace.

The ministers also discussed Gaza, where international calls for a durable ceasefire and humanitarian access continue. Canada and Italy have worked with partners to push for stability in the region while balancing complex diplomatic realities.

Arctic Policy and Shared Interests

Interestingly, the Arctic also entered the conversation. While Italy is not an Arctic nation, it has observer status on the Arctic Council and has growing scientific and strategic interests in the region.

Canada, as an Arctic state, sees northern sovereignty and sustainable development as central to its foreign policy.

The two ministers exchanged views on how their respective policies align — particularly as climate change accelerates transformation in the High North.

Melting ice is opening new shipping routes and raising geopolitical stakes, making cooperation increasingly important.

A Relationship Rooted in More Than Politics

Beyond formal agreements and security discussions, the Canada–Italy relationship is underpinned by strong people-to-people ties.

Italian culture has left a lasting mark on Canadian cities, from Toronto to Montreal. Academic exchanges, research partnerships and tourism flows continue to strengthen the connection.

Diplomatic meetings like this often build on years of quiet groundwork. In this case, it was less about dramatic announcements and more about steady, strategic alignment.

What’s next?

Expect more concrete announcements in the coming months, particularly around business delegations and joint projects in energy and defence.

Canada’s role in European security initiatives is likely to expand, and further collaboration on critical minerals could move from discussion to signed agreements.

On the geopolitical front, both governments will continue coordinating positions on Ukraine, Gaza and Arctic governance — areas where allied unity carries weight.

In short, this Rome meeting wasn’t an endpoint. It was another step in tightening a partnership that both sides see as increasingly valuable in a rapidly shifting world.

Summary:

On February 16, 2026, in Rome, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand met with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to review progress on the Italy–Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation.

The talks focused on expanding trade under CETA, boosting collaboration in energy, critical minerals, defence and security, and coordinating efforts on Ukraine, Gaza and Arctic policy.

Both ministers signalled continued commitment to deepening ties as global challenges reshape international alliances.