Canada marks 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Republic of Korea

January 12, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the Republic of Korea:

“On January 14, our two countries will be celebrating our long-standing and special relationship. We are neighbours in the North Pacific and value a common vision of a free, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. In November 2022, the Government of Canada launched our Indo-Pacific Strategy, which highlights the Republic of Korea as a key partner for Canada in the Indo-Pacific and North Pacific. I am pleased that our respective Indo-Pacific Strategies share common values and objectives.

“Our Indo-Pacific Strategy recognizes North Korea’s provocations as a key strategic challenge in the Indo-Pacific, and we are committed to doing more to support regional peace and stability. To this end, Canada seeks further cooperation with the Republic of Korea in security and defence, including through a general security of information sharing agreement; oceans protection and monitoring; science, technology and innovation, particularly in critical mineral and electric-vehicle-battery supply chains; and the responsible development and adoption of artificial intelligence.

“We reached another milestone in our bilateral relations when President Yoon Suk Yeol visited Canada for the first time, in September 2022. President Yoon and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced their two countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is based on five shared priorities. The recent accomplishments in our bilateral relationship and the 60th anniversary provide significant momentum toward achieving our common goals in 2023.

“As we mark this important day, we reiterate our commitment to continuing to strengthen ties with the Republic of Korea in support of a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific. We look forward to forging deeper links by building on this important friendship in the years to come.”