The President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, visited the French overseas territory of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon from Saturday, September 19 to Monday, September 21, 2026. During the visit, he met with local residents, elected officials, and business leaders to discuss the future of the small island archipelago, focusing on ways to boost its economy and increase its appeal to visitors and investors. The President emphasized the region's strategic significance, particularly in areas such as space exploration, fishing, and the blue economy—activities related to the ocean and marine resources. He also addressed the challenges posed by climate change, including the shrinking coastline, and highlighted the need for sustainable development. Macron spoke about working with local authorities and government officials to tackle key issues such as economic growth, job creation, and investment in the region. He noted that several companies had already committed to investing in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, which he described as a historic moment. Additionally, he pointed out that for the first time in the territory's history, a Canadian prime minister had visited—Prime Minister Mark Carney. This visit aimed to strengthen ties between Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and Canada, particularly in areas such as trade, defense, and research. During his stay, Macron reaffirmed that Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon is a French territory, liberated by Free France during World War II. He addressed concerns raised by some political figures, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously suggested that the territory might be American. Macron clarified that the status of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon is well defined and that it remains a French overseas department. He also discussed the situation in Greenland, where tensions had recently arisen over sovereignty, and noted that talks with Denmark's prime minister had helped ease those tensions. The visit also marked an important step in strengthening the relationship between France and Canada. Macron and Carney discussed shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, and respect for national sovereignty. They also announced the creation of the Canada-France Polar Research Forum, an initiative that will alternate between the two countries, with the first edition planned for Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. Topics of discussion included energy, critical minerals, rare earths, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and maritime technology. A joint declaration was signed, outlining the two nations' commitment to working together on strategic issues. Macron concluded his visit by outlining his plans for Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, including proposals to improve education and vocational training, as well as new opportunities in the fishing industry. He also emphasized the need for stable energy supplies and the impact of global political tensions on fuel prices. The President highlighted the importance of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon as a French presence in North America and its role in shaping the region's future.