South Korean President Lee Jae Myung affirmed his nation’s readiness to bolster Canada’s security capabilities during pivotal discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The leaders met on Tuesday on the sidelines of the prestigious Group of Seven (G7) summit in Evian, France, where they committed to strengthening strategic cooperation in critical areas including defense, security, energy, and key critical minerals, as reported by Seoul’s presidential office.
President Lee emphasized South Korea’s significant role as a “defense industry powerhouse,” stating, “Amid a reshaping of the global order, South Korea, as a defense industry powerhouse, is ready to actively contribute to strengthening Canada’s security capabilities based on trust.” This strategic pledge underscores a deepening bilateral relationship.
In response, Prime Minister Carney highlighted Canada’s focus on building strong cooperative ties with South Korea and proposed continuing detailed discussions on these pressing matters, according to the Seoul statement.
This high-level exchange garnered particular attention given South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean is currently a prominent contender, alongside Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, for Canada’s ambitious next-generation submarine project. This substantial defense procurement is estimated to be worth up to 60 trillion won ($39.6 billion).
Beyond defense, the two leaders also prioritized establishing stable energy supply chains between their countries. They agreed to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in crucial resources such as crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and vital critical minerals, reflecting a shared commitment to energy security.
The presidential office further noted an agreement to strategically leverage South Korea’s strengths in advanced industries with Canada’s rich natural resources and technological expertise, fostering innovation and economic growth for both nations.
Discussions also encompassed broader regional and global issues, including recent developments in the Middle East. President Lee and Prime Minister Carney committed to seeking practical and concrete ways to contribute to international peace, prosperity, and the resolution of global challenges.
In his opening remarks, President Lee underscored the profound historical foundation of bilateral ties, noting the “deep bond” maintained between South Korea and Canada since the 1950-53 Korean War. “We owe Canada a great debt,” Lee stated. “Today, as like-minded countries, we have become partners that can help each other.” He further added that bilateral relations have continuously developed, advocating for exploring “more concrete” areas for future cooperation.
Prime Minister Carney echoed this sentiment, highlighting the sustained growth of the partnership since his visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju last October. Carney reiterated that Canada and South Korea have significantly strengthened cooperation across diverse sectors, notably defense, investment, and culture, solidifying their strategic alliance.
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