South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed strong disapproval of the burgeoning military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. The leaders vowed to bolster their nations’ security and defense industry ties during a bilateral summit held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru on Friday.
This high-level meeting follows the recent inaugural two-plus-two foreign and defense ministerial dialogue held in Ottawa, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.
The summit’s focal point was the leaders’ joint condemnation of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which they labeled as illegal and destabilizing. Recent intelligence reports suggest that North Korean forces have been deployed to Russia, a move that has raised alarms in the international community.
“The two leaders condemned illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea and shared the latest developments related to the deployment of North Korean forces to Russia, agreeing to collaborate for a united response,” the South Korean presidential office stated in a press release.
President Yoon highlighted the broader implications of this collaboration, particularly concerning global peace and security. “Such alliances not only threaten regional stability but also undermine international norms,” Yoon said, emphasizing the need for a coordinated international response. Trudeau echoed these concerns, stressing that the global community must stand firm against violations of international law.
President Yoon took the opportunity to acknowledge Canada’s historical and ongoing contributions to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. As a member of the United Nations Command, Canada has played a pivotal role in enforcing the armistice agreement that brought the Korean War to a halt in 1953.
“Canada’s steadfast commitment to the UN Command reflects its dedication to maintaining peace in the region,” Yoon noted, adding that such efforts are vital as tensions on the peninsula continue to rise due to North Korea’s missile tests and nuclear ambitions.
Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s commitment, stating that his government remains deeply invested in ensuring stability on the Korean Peninsula and countering threats posed by North Korea.
Beyond security issues, the leaders celebrated the robust economic partnership between their nations. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of the South Korea-Canada free trade agreement (FTA), a milestone that has significantly boosted bilateral trade and investment.
President Yoon expressed optimism for further economic collaboration, particularly in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and clean energy. “Our partnership in these fields not only enhances economic growth but also sets the stage for innovation and sustainable development,” he said.
Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the importance of building on the momentum created by the recent two-plus-two ministerial meeting. “This is a critical time to strengthen our partnership in strategic areas, ensuring our economies remain competitive and resilient,” he said.
Energy cooperation emerged as another key agenda item during the summit. Trudeau highlighted the significance of the first shipment of Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to South Korea, scheduled for next year. This shipment represents a milestone in efforts to create a stable and diversified energy supply chain.
“As the world grapples with energy security challenges, partnerships like ours demonstrate the power of collaboration in achieving a stable supply chain,” Trudeau remarked.
South Korea, which is heavily reliant on energy imports, views Canada as a vital partner in its quest for energy security. President Yoon expressed his government’s readiness to work closely with Canada in diversifying energy sources and advancing clean energy technologies.
With South Korea set to host the APEC summit and Canada assuming the G7 presidency next year, the leaders discussed ways to leverage their respective roles in multilateral diplomacy. They agreed to align their efforts on key global issues, including climate change, economic resilience, and technological innovation.
“Hosting these significant gatherings gives us a unique opportunity to shape the global agenda,” Yoon said. Trudeau concurred, adding, “Together, we can create synergies that amplify our impact on the international stage.”
The leaders also emphasized the importance of engaging other nations in addressing shared challenges, particularly in maintaining a rules-based international order amid rising geopolitical tensions.
A notable outcome of the summit was the agreement to deepen collaboration in the defense industry. Both nations are keen to leverage their respective technological advancements to enhance military capabilities.
President Yoon pointed to South Korea’s cutting-edge defense technology and its potential to complement Canada’s expertise in aerospace and cyber defense. Trudeau highlighted the strategic importance of this cooperation, especially in countering emerging threats.
“Our defense partnership is not just about technology; it’s about ensuring the safety and security of our citizens,” Trudeau stated.
The summit underscored the shared vision of South Korea and Canada in driving advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and clean energy. Both nations view these sectors as critical to economic and national security.
Trudeau called for greater collaboration in AI research and development, emphasizing its transformative potential. “AI will shape the future of our economies and societies. By working together, we can lead in this space,” he said.
President Yoon, meanwhile, highlighted South Korea’s leadership in renewable energy technologies, suggesting joint initiatives to combat climate change and accelerate the transition to clean energy.
The South Korea-Canada relationship. The meeting in Lima served as a testament to the growing importance of their partnership, which spans security, economics, energy, and innovation.
“The challenges we face today require a united front,” President Yoon said. Trudeau added, “Our partnership is a model of how nations can work together to address complex global issues.”
The South Korea-Canada relationship, rooted in shared values and mutual respect, is poised to enter a new era of cooperation. With both nations assuming pivotal roles in international forums next year, their collaboration is set to make a significant impact on the global stage.
