Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and National Defence Minister Bill Blair met in Ottawa with their South Korean counterparts, Foreign Affairs Minister Cho Tae-yul and Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, for the first-ever Canada-South Korea Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting.
Their discussions aimed to bolster strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, address shared security concerns, and coordinate responses to regional instability.
Renewed Commitment to Security in the Indo-Pacific
Canada and South Korea Unite for a Free and Secure Indo-Pacific
In this inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting, Canada and South Korea reaffirmed their commitment to a free, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The discussions included launching the Canada-Korea Indo-Pacific Dialogue, a platform for both nations to enhance regional stability and deepen cooperation on strategic priorities, such as:
- Coordinating efforts to counter North Korean aggression.
- Strengthening economic and security ties in response to Great Power competition.
- Supporting the Indo-Pacific as a region of free trade and open sea lanes.
This renewed partnership comes as Canada prepares for its upcoming G7 Presidency in 2025, where regional and global security will be top priorities.
Joint Statement: Condemning North Korea-Russia Cooperation
A Unified Stand on Growing Global Security Threats
The ministers also issued a joint statement condemning recent military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. They expressed deep concern about the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia and denounced North Korea’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile launch.
Canada and South Korea jointly urge North Korea’s immediate withdrawal from Russia, pledging to prevent regional escalation. This united stance is part of a broader strategy to uphold global norms against aggression.
Milestones in the Canada-South Korea Strategic Partnership
Year |
Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Prime Minister Trudeau and President Yoon announce Comprehensive Strategic Partnership |
| February 2024 | Ministers Joly and Cho agree to initiate High-Level Foreign and Defence Policy Dialogue |
| July 2024 | Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan launched |
| September 2024 | Minister Blair co-hosts the ROK-United Nations Command Member States Defence Ministerial in Seoul |
| October 2024 | HMCS Ottawa departs for Operation Horizon and NEON in the Indo-Pacific |
Expanding Collaboration
Building on Strong Foundations
Both nations agreed to hold regular ministerial dialogues, building upon a robust partnership spanning more than 60 years. This historical relationship, founded during the Korean War, has evolved to address 21st-century security challenges.
Canada and South Korea collaborate on climate change, digital governance and humanitarian aid, bolstering their bilateral ties.
Future goals include:
- Ongoing dialogue to align Canada’s and Korea’s Indo-Pacific strategies.
- Expanding cooperation on cybersecurity, trade, and resource security.
- Promoting an open, secure Indo-Pacific through joint military exercises and intelligence sharing.
Canada-ROK: A Partnership for Peace and Progress
Sources: THX News & Global Affairs Canada.
