The Carney in Korea Megathread
Canada and South Korea sign Comprehensive Partnership Agreement, new GSOIA confirmed, Carney visits a KSS-III (and asks a lot of questions!)
Good Morning Everyone!
I wasn't actually planning to do a megathread for todays events. However, given hoe much is going on, I thought that compiling everything into one, comprehensive post would be in benefit to everyone!
A lot of info is coming from the Korean side of things, not us. This means that many will miss details of Carney’s trip that they might otherwise have loved to see.
This is not an official livethread like usual. However if something big comes after all of this than I'll add it later, so don't forget to check back in!
Anyways, onto the show!
Prime Minister Carney attends South Korea-Canada Summit
Credit to Reporters Kim Tae-jun & Kim Ho-young
President 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.
BREAKING: Prime Minister Lee and Canadian Prime Minister Carney sign Security and Defense Partnership, promising support for a 60 trillion won order.
President Lee Jae-myung and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held a summit on the 30th at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju. The two leaders issued a joint statement titled "Strategic Partnership in Defense and Security." Analysts say the meeting has significantly increased the likelihood that Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will win a 60 trillion won submarine project.
The joint statement contains a roadmap for deepening bilateral cooperation in interconnected strategic areas such as security, national defense, cyber, space, and complex threats. The two leaders wrote in the statement, "We reaffirm that the 'Republic of Korea-Canada Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' remains strong and vibrant amidst a rapidly changing global environment."
They continued, "Building on the achievements of the first Foreign and Defense Ministerial (2+2) Meeting held in November of last year, we welcome the establishment of the 'Republic of Korea-Canada Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership.'" This is Canada's first partnership with a country in the Indo-Pacific region.
The two leaders also stated that "This monumental partnership provides a clear and action-oriented framework to accelerate defense cooperation, enhance interoperability and readiness, promote defense industry cooperation, and jointly contribute to regional and global stability." They also stated that "It will advance a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, support defense industry innovation and resilience, and underpin efforts to create new opportunities for workers and businesses in South Korea and Canada."
The two leaders concluded negotiations on the "Safeguard Agreement on Military and Defense Information." In their statement, the two leaders stated that this agreement "will provide a secure and reliable framework for the exchange and protection of classified information to support deepening cooperation in defense, security, and the defense industry."
They also stated, "When this agreement enters into force, it will serve as a key milestone in the development of the strategic partnership between Korea and Canada by establishing a legal foundation for further strengthening cooperation in the areas of defense procurement, defense industrial security, research, and operational coordination.”
Finally, they wrote, "In an increasingly turbulent world, Korea and Canada are jointly contributing to strengthening and diversifying our trade and defense relationship to address shared challenges. We recognize that threats to our security and prosperity are more interconnected than ever before, and we reaffirm our commitment to deepening cooperation as strategic partners in defense and security."
In his meeting with Prime Minister Carney that day, President Lee said, “Canada is a key ally to the Republic of Korea, going beyond a simple ally,” and added, “We have already been cooperating in various areas, not only in the defense sector but also in the economic sector as you mentioned, and we will continue to expand cooperation in the future.”
Prime Minister Carney said, “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between our two countries,” and added, “The relationship in trade is especially important, and defense cooperation is also increasing, and cultural exchanges are also increasing even more, so I think it is a very important time.”
Noah Note: Aaaaand there it is! I knew an agreement was coming, and this seemed to be the perfect place to do it. For those who don’t know, what they’re referring to here is a *General Security of Information Agreement* or GSOIA.
It sets up a proper framework for sharing information that goes into things like tech transfers, joint cooperation on new technologies, and provides industry with a way to access classified information to better bid on projects.
Basically, it establishes a formal process for governments and industries to access classified information from a foreign country—at least in basic terms. For industry, this means a clear process for getting verified and, in turn, gaining access to the information they need to bid on projects or exchange classified material with foreign companies.
These agreements are very important when we talk about tech transfers, deepening cooperation, or Canadian companies having access to bidding opportunities. It’s essential to have these agreements in place if we start talking about joining joint programs or strategic partnerships.
The sharing of classified information, especially for defence-related activities, is crucial both for bolstering our export and manufacturing attractiveness and for deepening cooperation with allies. This establishes how we can do that—and provides a proper process to make it happen.
We don’t yet know what this “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” fully includes. We’ll likely hear more in the morning from both sides—at least the Canadian side—about what’s in it.
Of course, I’ll be covering that in the morning!
Prime Minister Mark Carney visiting Hanwha’s yard in Goeje
Some photos of Prime Minister Carney visiting Hanwha’s yard in Goeje. The Prime Minister was joined today by Minister of National Defence David Mcguinty and Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy Amgus Topshee for this visit.
CNCR Topshee is no stranger to Goeje. He has visited multiple times. This is the first visit for the Prime Minister and MND Mcguinty though! The three got a tour of the recently launched ROKS Jang Yeong-sil, the first KSS-III Batch II submarine.
Credit to Mackenzie Grey for this video also!
Canadian Prime Minister Aboard Hanwha Ocean's Submarine… Longer-than-scheduled Stay Draws Attention
Credit to Reporter Lee Dong-hee
Ahead of the final selection of the Canadian Procurement Submarine Program (CPSP), worth 60 trillion won, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Hanwha Ocean's (042660) Geoje plant on the 30th.
Prime Minister Carney, who holds the power to decide on the order, boarded the recently launched 'Jang Yeong-sil' together with Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and personally inspected the 'Jang Bogo-III Batch-Ⅱ' submarine, guided by Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan of Hanwha Group.
According to officials present at the scene, Prime Minister Carney showed deep interest in the Hanwha Ocean submarine and stayed for more than 30 minutes longer than scheduled, asking Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan many questions.
According to the shipbuilding industry and foreign media, Prime Minister Carney visited Hanwha Ocean's Geoje plant that afternoon, along with Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty and Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy Admiral Angus Topshee. Hanwha Ocean welcomed the Prime Minister and his entourage by hanging placards reading "Welcome Prime Minister Carney" throughout the Geoje plant.
Hanwha Ocean executives briefed Prime Minister Carney on the design and production process of the Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarine, the CPSP's proposed model. Prime Minister Carney and his entourage also boarded the Jang Yeong-sil, which was moored at the quay after the launching ceremony on the 22nd.
The Jang Yeong-sil is the first ship in the Jang Bogo-III Batch II project proposed by Hanwha Ocean to Canada. Building on the three ships built in the Jang Bogo-III Batch I and their operational experience, the Jang Yeong-sil is a next-generation submarine with a refined design. Capable of long-term underwater operations, it has a range of over 7,000 nautical miles (approximately 12,900 km). It is considered an optimized platform for a wide range of operational environments, encompassing the Pacific, Atlantic, and even the Arctic Ocean.
Joint statement by Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea
We, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada and President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea, met today in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, Korea, to announce a new and ambitious roadmap to deepen our bilateral cooperation on security, defence and intersecting strategic domains, including cyber, space and hybrid threats.
Reaffirming the enduring strength and vitality of the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a rapidly shifting global landscape, and building on the inaugural Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting in November 2024, the leaders welcomed the establishment of the Canada-Korea Security and Defence Cooperation Partnership, the first of its kind for Canada in the Indo-Pacific. This landmark partnership provides a clear, action-oriented framework for accelerating defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability and readiness, strengthening defence industrial cooperation, and jointly contributing to regional and global stability. It will support efforts to advance a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, support innovation and resilience in defence industries, and create new opportunities for Canadian and Korean workers and businesses.
In addition, the leaders announced the conclusion of substantive negotiations on an Agreement on the Protection of Military and Defence Classified Information, which will provide a secure and trusted framework for the exchange and protection of classified information in support of deepening defence, security, and defence industrial cooperation. Upon entry into force, the Agreement will provide the legal foundation for enhanced collaboration in defence procurement, defence industrial security, research, and operational coordination—marking a pivotal milestone in the evolution of Canada–Korea strategic partnership.
In an increasingly turbulent world, Canada and Korea are jointly committed to strengthening and diversifying our trade and defence relationships to address shared challenges. We recognize that threats to our security and prosperity are more interconnected than ever before and reaffirm our resolve to deepen cooperation as strategic partners in defence and security.
Prime Minister Carney meets with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung
Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae Myung, in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.
Prime Minister Carney thanked President Lee for his leadership as Chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) for 2025. The leaders discussed the productive economic relationship between Canada and Korea, noting the 10th anniversary of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Since the FTA’s implementation, bilateral trade has nearly doubled, and nearly all of Canada's exports to Korea have tariff-free access to the Korean market. The leaders discussed opportunities to expedite the removal of any remaining tariffs.
During the meeting, the leaders announced the new Canada-Republic of Korea Security and Defence Cooperation Partnership. This agreement will reinforce collaboration in defence, military readiness, and industrial collaboration focused on the defence, maritime security, and aerospace sectors. They also announced the conclusion of negotiations for the General Security of Information Agreement to support further defence industry cooperation.
The Prime Minister discussed Canada’s ambitious new mission to double its non-U.S. exports in the next decade and the core strategy of Budget 2025 to catalyse unprecedented levels of new investments into Canada. The leaders affirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral trade and investment, including in energy, agri-food products, critical minerals, and defence. To that end, the Prime Minister announced the upcoming Team Canada Trade Mission to Korea in 2026.
Prime Minister Carney and President Lee agreed to remain in close contact.
Canada and South Korea Deepen Security and Defence Cooperation with Comprehensive Partnership Agreement
I mentioned that there were agreements coming from this visit, and agreements we got.
Canada and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have formally launched a new long-term Security and Defence Cooperation Partnership, marking a major expansion of bilateral collaboration across the full spectrum of defence, security, and industrial innovation.
This builds off the first Foreign and Defense Ministerial (2+2) Meeting held in November of last year, and the extensive work this year at the 3rd Canada-Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Meeting (Materiel)
The agreement reaffirms the existing Canada-ROK relationship, rooted in shared democratic values, human rights, and a common commitment to the international rule of law. Both countries emphasized the importance of cooperation amid a rapidly shifting global order and the deteriorating international security environment.
Officials from both nations noted that the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions are increasingly interlinked and that maintaining security and prosperity requires a coordinated response.
This also builds off the work set out in Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy to deepen engagement across the region through defense, diplomacy, and economic partnerships with a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
To build on that Canada and South Korea reiterated their joint commitment to upholding United Nations Security Council resolutions related to North Korea and reaffirmed their dedication to achieving the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
If you're curious about the full agreement, you can view it yourself here.
A Strategic Framework for Long-Term Cooperation
Under the framework, Canada and South Korea will institutionalize their defence and security cooperation through cementing the extensive network of dialogues and joint forums that the two have built over the last two years, including:
Foreign Affairs and Defence Ministers “2+2” Dialogue Meeting
Director-General-level Foreign Affairs and Defence Policy Talks
Joint Meetings on Defence Materiel Cooperation and Defence R&D
Regular staff talks between naval, army, air, and space branches
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Commercial Corporation and South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration
The framework cements many of the existing High-Level Dialogues established in the last two years, ensuring their continued role in bilateral defence engagement while providing mechanisms to align policies, share intelligence, and coordinate operational priorities.
This makes me extremely happy. These kinds of meetings are incredibly important, and their firm establishment as set policy ensures that they remain here for years to come. These, combined with other dialogues established later ensure that Canada and Korea not only foster regular engagement, but have dedicated forums to tackle individual issues together.
Both governments also committed to fostering multilateral dialogue with like-minded partners and will extend invitations to each other’s key security events, including the Seoul Defense Dialogue and Halifax International Security Forum.
From here we immediately jump into the defence side of things. Military-to-Military Cooperation forms the backbone of the new agreement, and with it comes a lot of new commitments to interoperability and integration.
Canada and South Korea have pledged to expand participation in joint operations, exercises, and training activities. This includes enhanced coordination within the United Nations Command in Korea and continued collaboration on enforcing sanctions against the DPRK.
Both sides intend to establish a common framework for interoperability, facilitating exchanges of personnel, equipment, and supplies. This is a key pillar of a potential CPSP partnership, facilitating Canada’s acquisition and sustainment of the KSS-III. Personnel is especially important given the desire to train Canadian sailors on the KSS-III while we wait for our first.
This can be extended to other things though, and sets the stage for deeper cooperation in a number of other areas. Maritime security is also a central pillar, with joint efforts to defend the rules-based maritime order under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Special operations collaboration will also grow through a new Memorandum of Understanding between Canada’s Special Operations Forces Command and South Korea’s Army Special Warfare Command. Intelligence-sharing and defence information exchanges will deepen, particularly through participation in regional forums such as the Indo-Pacific Intelligence Chiefs Conference (IPICC).
Recognizing the increasing connection between the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic theatres, both nations will encourage cooperation between NATO and South Korea, particularly in areas of shared security concern.
The agreement further promotes civil-military collaboration for humanitarian and disaster relief operations, emphasizing joint responses to natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.
Expanding Defence Industry and Innovation
A major element of the partnership is the expansion of defence industrial and technological cooperation.
Canada and South Korea will continue exchanges on their respective defence industrial strategies, using existing mechanisms such as the Defence Materiel Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding and annual joint meetings as key forums for identifying industrial collaboration opportunities.
The agreement calls for:
Strengthening defence industrial collaboration through co-development, co-production, and co-sustainment initiatives
Promoting technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and local manufacturing opportunities
Encouraging trade and investment in the defence sector by reducing barriers and promoting fair procurement practices
Expanding joint R&D and testing under the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Research and Development
Current cooperation in anti-submarine warfare research between Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) will serve as a foundation for broader R&D engagement in other defence fields.
A new, co-hosted Defence Industry Cooperation Forum will be launched to connect government, industry, and academia from both countries. The forum will serve as a strategic platform to promote industrial innovation, strengthen supply chains, and create export opportunities for both Canadian and Korean defence firms.
This is the Canada-Korea Roadshow we have been hyping here the last few months. The event in scheduled to be held in about two weeks or so, amd I couldn't be happier to see it become an annual event.
In fact, I think it provides a great framework for hosting similar events eith other key allies. While Canada hosts many industrial events (CANSEC, DEFSEC, Best Defence) there is a general lack of country-country engagement.
For example while Hanwha regularly attends events many of the other Korean compamies don't. This event provides a lot of them a chance to still engage with key stakeholders and Industry.
Annual reciprocal participation in major defence trade shows such as CANSEC in Ottawa and ADEX in Seoul will further boost industry-to-industry collaboration. Ministerial-led trade missions will also be organized to explore targeted industrial partnerships.
Both nations will prioritize defence supply chain security and resilience, with cooperation extending into critical materials such as energy, minerals, and metals—including steel, aluminum, and nickel alloys vital to defence manufacturing.
This was a major desire for the Canadian side, and the Koreans have recently expressed interest in diversifying their Critical Mineral Supply Chain with Canada as a major partner. They currently have plans to work with Algoma Steel in the event of a CPSP award.
Collaborative opportunities will also be pursued under the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR)*initiative.
Cybersecurity, Space, and Hybrid Threats
Recognizing the evolving nature of modern threats, Canada and South Korea will intensify cooperation in the cyber, space, and hybrid domains. Both nations plan to conduct regular exchanges on hybrid threats, emerging and disruptive technologies, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Upcoming Canada-ROK Cyber Policy Consultations will provide a framework for regular dialogue on national defence-related cyber issues, threat analysis, and policy coordination. The two countries will explore collaboration on the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems in the military sphere, ensuring ethical and secure application of these technologies.
The agreement also promotes deeper coordination on responses to hybrid threats targeting digital networks, energy grids, and undersea infrastructure. Both countries will share best practices on resilience and participate in joint exercises and scenario-based discussions.
In the space domain, the two nations will establish a formal Space Security Dialogue under the umbrella of their Foreign Affairs and Defence Policy Talks. This initiative aims to ensure a safe and sustainable space environment while promoting the development of international norms and principles of responsible behaviour.
Hanwha has already engaged MDA and Telesat as potential CPSP partners. I have it on good authority that the Koreans are greatly interested in Lightspeed and future launch options from Canadian soil to complement theor own capacity.
Space is becoming an increasingly improtsnt domain, and Korea is quickly establishing itself as a major player in space, including with the indigenously developed Korean Space Launch Vehicles, the third generation of which will solidify Korean capacity for domestic Medium-Launch.
The room for cooperation there, leveraging Canadian infrastructure with Korean equipment presents a very rare, very interesting avenue for future space cooperation.
Canada and South Korea also plan to engage with third countries and multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, to advance global space governance.
Supporting Global Stability and the Future
The partnership extends beyond bilateral cooperation, encompassing broader support for capacity building and global security. Canada and South Korea will explore opportunities for joint initiatives in peace operations, Women, Peace and Security programs, and partner capacity-building efforts in the defence and security sectors.
Climate security has also been identified as an emerging area of collaboration. Discussions will build on Canada’s leadership through the NATO Climate Change and Security Centre of Excellence (CCASCOE), which focuses on adapting to the security impacts of climate change while reducing the environmental footprint of defence operations.
Progress under the new Security and Defence Cooperation Partnership will be reviewed regularly through the Canada-ROK Foreign Affairs and Defence Policy Talks. Results will be reported to the biannual ministerial-level “2+2” dialogue to ensure continued alignment of priorities and identify areas for further development.
Both governments have agreed that the partnership will remain flexible, allowing for the creation of new consultative mechanisms and the expansion of existing dialogues as necessary. The content of the agreement will be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect evolving strategic needs.
A Renewed Commitment to Shared Security
With this agreement, Canada and South Korea have signaled their intent to elevate their relationship from shared values to shared capabilities. It solidified much of the work done in the last year, establishing the Canadian Korean relationship as a lasting, growing relationship.
Combined with the soon-to-be signing of the Canada-Korea General Security of Information Agreement, both our countries are firmly set to transform our cooperative relationship into a true Strategic Partnership.
The frameworks will exist for sharing classified information, personnel, and equipment. These frameworks will also open new avenues for Joint Development, Research and Development, and for creating an Integrated Canada-Korea supply chain.
Further to that, Canadian and Korean companies will now have an annual, dedicated space for discussion and cooperative development. Officials will now have an established series of Annual and Biannual events to meet and engage on collective security and policy.
This includes dedicated events for key topics like AI, Cybersecurity, Space, and R&D. This much needed complement supplements the larger Joint meetings, and create more space to tackle difficult issues with the time and dedication they deserve.
I am overjoyed to see most of the established dialogues and events cemented as permanent. Everyone knows I love events like these. They are a critical piece of any Strategic Partnership.
Some things I was expecting are missing here, such as a MOU for Joint Training and Tech Transfer in the Shipbuilding Industry. That was first announced early this year and has yet to be signed.
Still, this is more than enough for me. A pat on the back to everyone involved, thos agreement is absolutely excellent.
This new framework marks a milestone in bilateral defence relations, transforming the long-standing partnership forged during the Korean War into a comprehensive modern alliance ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
It only goes up from here!
More footage of Carney at Goeje
New, exclusive video of Prime Minister Carney’s visit to Hanwha’s yard in Goeje! Six minutes long! Really great look at the yard itself. You rarely get these looks.
The KSS-III submarine purchase is just the beginning. There are many other platforms from South Korea we can purchase to modernize the Canadian military:
. KAI MC-X transport (to replace C-130 fleet)
. K239 Chunmoo (for when the negotiations for acquiring the HIMARS fail)
. K9A3 Thunder (self-propelled howitzer capability boost)
. KAI T-50 Golden Eagle (future fighter jet trainer)
. Hyundai K3 MBT (to replace Leopard 2 tank fleet)
. Hyundai Rotem N-WAV & Hamwha K-NIFV (to replace LAV fleet)
Just wish that last video had sound, curious as to what he was saying after emerging from the sub. Betting TKMS is getting real nervous. I don't think they can compete with South Korean ship building size and technologies. Here's hoping this visit settings Carney to immediately sign a Sub deal with Hanwa. I still feel this is the best offering and the only one that is a finished product and not just a paper design.