PM Luc Frieden was on a working visit to North America and Canada from 6 to 9 February, with stops in Boston and Ottawa. During the trip, he stressed that, in times of international uncertainty, Luxembourg is committed to strong, values-based partnerships. Speaking at the European Conference at the Harvard Kennedy School, he outlined a vision of a strong, united, and action-oriented Europe.
In Ottawa, Frieden met Canadian PM Mark Carney, with discussions focusing on global challenges and on deepening bilateral cooperation. Luxembourg and Canada share a long-standing friendship dating back to the Second World War, when members of the Grand Ducal family sought refuge in Canada during the occupation.
Both sides are keen to strengthen economic ties, particularly in the financial and satellite sectors, with Luxembourg offering a gateway to the EU market. They also aim to step up cooperation on security matters. The opening of Luxembourg’s embassy in Ottawa last year underlines the importance attached to this partnership.
In addition, since 1 January, a Master’s programme in financial management from McGill University has been offered in Luxembourg, marking a significant boost for the country’s academic landscape.
Frieden emphasised that Luxembourg and Canada share core values such as democracy, the rule of law, and multilateralism, and that they intend to further deepen cooperation in the areas of security, defence, finance, space, and innovation.
In Boston, Frieden visited the Biodesign Lab at Harvard University, where innovative technologies are being developed to improve mobility and autonomy for older people, Parkinson’s patients and those recovering from strokes. Young Luxembourg researchers are also actively involved in this work.
