Prime Minister Carney attends South Korea-Canada Summit
Credit to Reporters Kim Tae-jun & Kim Ho-young
PPresident Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was visiting Korea on the occasion of the Gyeongju APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum, on the 30th and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The President met with Prime Minister Carney at a hotel in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, that morning and said, “Canada and the Republic of Korea have a very special relationship,” adding, “The international order is very complex and there are many crisis factors, but I hope that we can overcome this together by working together wisely and helping each other.”
Prime Minister Carney began his remarks by saying, "I'm truly grateful for the warm welcome. Korea is a very important partner, especially for Canada." He continued, "Today marks the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of our Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Trade relations are important, and cooperation between our countries is growing. Cultural education is also growing, so this is a very important time."
The president also praised Canada, saying, “During the Korean War, Canada dispatched a massive troop of 27,000 troops and suffered losses of nearly 400 lives to protect the free Republic of Korea.” He added, “Canada is not just an ally; it is a key ally.” He continued, “We are cooperating not only in the defense sector but also in various areas of the economy, and this cooperation will expand further in the future.” He added, “Canada has also been at the forefront of basic research in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, so the whole world is reaping great benefits.”
He also said, "Cultural exchange between Canada and Korea is also very active," and "Meggie Kang, a Korean-Canadian who produced 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' is a testament to Canada's cultural prowess. People around the world think it was made in Korea, but it was actually made by a Canadian director."
The two leaders discussed cooperation in a variety of areas, including security and national defense, economic security, energy supply chains, artificial intelligence (AI), key minerals, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Defense cooperation was particularly highlighted, particularly in relation to the participation of Korean companies in Canada's ongoing 60 trillion won submarine tender.
The luncheon featured a menu featuring ingredients from both countries, including Canadian lobster and Gyeongju sirloin steak. The pre-dinner toast was a non-alcoholic drink made with Canadian maple syrup and Korean ginger syrup and pears.
Prime Minister Carney plans to visit Hanwha Shipyard in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, with Prime Minister Kim Min-seok this afternoon to reaffirm their commitment to defense industry cooperation. This meeting marks the first meeting between the two leaders in five months since the G7 Summit in June, further solidifying their strategic partnership.
