A delegation of presidential envoys, headed by Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Kim Byeong-joo, visited Canada from the 22nd to the 23rd (local time) to explain the governance philosophy and foreign policy of the Lee Jae-myung administration.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 24th, the delegation held discussions in the Canadian capital of Ottawa with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Defense Minister David McGuinty, and Secretary-General Michael Sabia.
Through the discussions, the delegation delivered a letter from President Lee expressing the commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and explained the government's foreign policy vision aimed at establishing a 'global responsible power' that can pragmatically respond to changes in the world order.
Additionally, they emphasized the government's intention to expand cooperation as a key regional partner in various fields, including security, trade, defense, and energy, based on a 'comprehensive strategic partnership' between the two countries.
The delegation also met with Defense Minister McGuinty, expressing hopes for South Korea's active participation in Canada's defense modernization efforts, highlighting that South Korea is the optimal partner for Canada's future submarine and artillery projects.
They expressed their hope to welcome Minister McGuinty's participation in the Seoul Security Dialogue and suggested exchanges with the Ministry of National Defense and visits to key defense facilities such as shipyards.
Minister McGuinty noted that he hopes to expand cooperation with South Korea in response to security threats and strengthening defense capabilities in Canada, expressing expectations for deepening collaboration in various fields, including defense, aerospace, quantum, artificial intelligence (AI), and energy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs evaluated that 'the dispatch of this Canadian delegation is an opportunity to solidify the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries by deeply discussing ways to strengthen cooperation amid shared challenges in the region.'