Today, Global Affairs Canada issued the following statement:
"On June 26 and 27, 2023, Canada hosted discussions among international partners working to develop and expand collective responses to malicious cyber activity.
"Representatives from Australia, Czechia, Estonia, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union shared experiences and insights based on their evolving national practices. There is clear resolve to continue to work together to have a greater impact in preventing, deterring and responding to cyber threats. They also discussed the value of public-private collaboration in facilitating information sharing and increasing threat awareness as a basis for coordinated action.
"Building on work undertaken during a previous meeting in Ghent, Belgium, in 2022, participating countries reflected on current challenges to coordinated responses through a scenario-based discussion. Country representatives recognized that every country faces different circumstances and noted growing cyber challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, in the context of the war in Ukraine and beyond, and reflected on how to address these through robust strategies. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to broad international cooperation to counter cyber threats.
"During the 2-day meeting, participants:
- reaffirmed the importance of upholding responsible behaviour in cyberspace
- welcomed initiatives to implement the UN Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace, notably the development of a robust, action-oriented and inclusive Program of Action
- recalled that international law applies to cyberspace
- invited all countries to share national assessments on the applicability of international law to the cyber domain as a means to reach common understanding and further build international acquis on responsible state behaviour in cyber space.
"Building on the outcomes of this meeting, Canada is committed to deepening its cyber collaboration with international partners, including countries in the Indo-Pacific. As host, Canada is grateful to all participants for their active engagement and contributions during this meeting. Canada looks forward to further collaboration with all like-minded countries in collectively addressing cyber challenges and promoting stability and security in cyberspace."
