Minister Joly strengthens security cooperation with the Republic of Korea

April 15, 2023 – Seoul, Republic of Korea – Global Affairs Canada

Canada and the Republic of Korea (Korea), in this year of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, reaffirm their strong and historic relations and steadfast friendship. The two countries also commit to supporting the rules-based international order and realizing the full potential of their relationship.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has concluded her successful April 13 to 15 visit to Korea, her second visit as foreign minister. During this most recent visit, she forged deeper ties between Canada and Korea.

In Seoul, Minister Joly met with Foreign Affairs Minister Park Jin. At the meeting, Minister Joly highlighted shared values and interests between the two countries and the deep bond spanning more than 60 years. As part of an expanded partnership in defence and security, the Ministers welcomed the launch toward negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement. The Agreement will contribute to deepening Canada’s security cooperation with Korea and will increase information sharing and defence collaboration.

The Ministers welcomed progress in the implementation of the ambitious Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, launched in September 2022, and explored concrete ways to collaborate under the countries’ Indo-Pacific strategies. The Ministers underlined their commitment to working together—and with other North Pacific partners—to counter threats to the rules-based international order, to address regional and global challenges, and to strengthen peace, prosperity, resilience and sustainability in the region.

Minister Joly was also warmly welcomed by President Yoon Suk Yeol. Both sides looked forward to building on our existing partnerships in achieving a shared vision of a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Furthermore, Minister Joly met with Cho Tae-yong, Korea’s National Security Advisor, and extended congratulations on his recent appointment. Both sides reiterated their firm commitment to global peace and security, and condemned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) on its continued missile launches, including recent launches of ballistic missiles, and urged an end to these reckless provocations and a return to dialogue. Minister Joly underscored the recent extension of Canada’s participation in the multinational maritime initiative monitoring UN Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea. Canada will continue to contribute to this effort under the Canadian Armed Forces’ Operation NEON until April 2026.  

During her visit, Minister Joly made a stop at the War Memorial of Korea where she highlighted Canada’s enduring contribution to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and paid tribute to the ultimate sacrifice of those Canadian soldiers who defended peace and freedom during the Korean War. She also met with North Korean women escapees and women human rights defenders to hear about their experiences and their work in helping North Korean escapees. The Minister reiterated her commitment to continue defending human rights, including the rights of women and girls, in North Korea.

In addition, the Minister met with a group of Korean academics to share views on regional dynamics and both countries’ Indo-Pacific strategies.