ATHENS — Canada and Greece have signed an agreement intended to permit secure exchanges of classified government and industrial information in defence, advanced technology and other sensitive sectors.

The General Security of Information Agreement was signed in Athens by Canada’s ambassador to Greece, Sonya Thissen, and Greek defence official Major General Emmanouil Chatzis, according to Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Agreement covers government and industry

The Canadian government says the pact will establish common protections for classified material exchanged by the two governments and by authorized contractors. That could include defence intelligence and technical data concerning weapons systems.

Ottawa says the framework is intended to make it easier for Canadian companies to pursue work in Greece while protecting sensitive information. It also identifies naval security, coastal infrastructure protection and maritime intelligence as potential areas of cooperation.

The agreement does not itself award contracts or guarantee new business. The federal release says its operational effects begin once it enters into force, and it does not provide a date for that step.

Part of a wider security network

Canada’s Industrial Security Sector negotiates these arrangements with Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence. Canada has announced similar classified-information agreements with partners including France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Ukraine and the European Space Agency.

Canada and Greece are both NATO allies and participate in the Canada–European Union trade agreement. The new pact is more narrowly focused on how classified information is safeguarded when governments or cleared businesses cooperate on sensitive projects.

The federal government described the signing as a step toward deeper security and industrial ties. Specific future projects, procurement decisions and commercial benefits would still require separate approvals and agreements.

Sources: Public Services and Procurement Canada, October 13; Canada’s international bilateral security instruments; Canada–Greece relations.

Lead image: Flag of Greece via Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Illustrative image.