Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Canadian counterpart Mark Carney signed a strategic agreement in Tokyo to strengthen cooperation on defense, energy and economic security, according to AP.

The deal comes as tensions in the Middle East raise concerns over global oil supplies, particularly shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Both countries also agreed to start talks on a defense pact, expand military cooperation and launch new dialogues on economic security and cyber policy.