[Gyeongju APEC] President Lee Discusses Submarine Project with Canadian Prime Minister: "Hopes for Active Korean Contribution" (Comprehensive)

President Lee Jaemyung and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney Hold Summit
Carney: "I Look Forward to Witnessing Shipbuilding Capabilities Firsthand"
Substantive Agreement Reached on Military and Defense Classified Information Protection

President Lee Jaemyung met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and stated, "A Korean company has submitted a preliminary bid for Canada's submarine procurement project," adding, "We hope that Korea will actively contribute to swiftly strengthening Canada's military capabilities and enhancing its defense industry."

Yonhap News Agency

On the 30th, Kim Namjun, spokesperson for the presidential office, conveyed that President Lee made these remarks during a summit with Prime Minister Carney at the Central Press Room of the International Media Center (IMC) in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. In response, Prime Minister Carney said, "We are well aware of the technology and capabilities of Korean submarines," and added, "I look forward to witnessing firsthand the world-class shipbuilding capabilities during my visit to the Geoje shipyard."

At 2 p.m. on the same day, Prime Minister Carney, accompanied by Prime Minister Kim Minseok, toured Hanwha Ocean in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province-a final candidate for Canada's next-generation submarine procurement project worth 60 trillion won. Prime Minister Carney visited Korea for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, along with Diana Fox Carney, Minister of National Defense David McGuinty, and Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu.

Spokesperson Kim stated, "Both leaders agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation not only in submarines but also in other defense sectors," adding, "They decided to conduct detailed and ongoing discussions through a dedicated consultative body led by the relevant ministries."

Yonhap News Agency

Following the summit, the two leaders announced a roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation in strategic areas such as security, defense, and cyber, space, and hybrid threats, reaffirming their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The leaders welcomed the establishment of the Korea-Canada Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership, building on the achievements of the first Foreign and Defense (2+2) Ministerial Meeting held in November last year. This is the first such announcement by Canada with a country in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two countries will accelerate defense cooperation and enhance interoperability and readiness. They will also expand defense industry collaboration and provide a clear, action-oriented framework for joint contributions to regional and global stability.

Additionally, the leaders reached a substantive agreement on a Military and Defense Classified Information Protection Agreement. This agreement will provide a secure and reliable framework for the exchange and protection of classified information, supporting deeper cooperation in defense, security, and the defense industry. Once in effect, it will establish a legal basis for cooperation in defense procurement, defense industry security, research, and operational coordination.

The two leaders stated, "In an increasingly turbulent world, Korea and Canada are jointly contributing to strengthening and diversifying bilateral trade and defense relations to address shared challenges," and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation as strategic partners in the fields of defense and security.

Meanwhile, during the summit, President Lee presented Prime Minister Carney with a double-perforated ceramic vase, taking into account the Prime Minister's personal taste. The luncheon following the summit featured a five-course meal using key ingredients from both Korea and Canada, with the main dishes being Canadian lobster and tenderloin steak from Gyeongju.