According to a report by the South China Morning Post, the launch of formal talks on the intelligence-sharing pact, or General Security of Information Agreement, is part of an action plan announced by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and his Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, after their talks in the Japanese capital of Tokyo.

The two sides aim to reach an agreement “as soon as possible” to facilitate information sharing and further strengthen cooperation between their militaries, the South China Morning Post reported, quoting the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Japan has similar intelligence-sharing agreements with eight other countries, including the United States, Australia, Britain, India, South Korea, as well as Nato, reports South China Morning Post.

On Tuesday, Japan and Canada also agreed to expand and deepen their military ties by holding joint exercises between the countries as well as with the US.

Both countries stressed the importance of working together to secure the rules-based international order and pledged to achieve a “free and open Indo-Pacific” vision, which Japan has been promoting with the US and other democracies that share concerns about China’s growing influence in the region.

Canadian  Foreign Minister Joly said Canada’s developing Indo-Pacific strategy “will aim to complement efforts made by like-minded partners, including Japan’s vision”.

Meanwhile, Japan and Canada have agreed to strengthen technical exchanges on nuclear technology.