President Lee Holds Successive Economic and Security Summits with Canada, Australia, and Others... 'Pragmatic Diplomacy' Achieves Results [Gyeongju APEC]

Signing of Secret Information Protection Agreement with Canada
Joint Statement on Security and Defense Partnership
Strengthening Energy Cooperation through LNG and SMRs
Australian Prime Minister Visits POSCO Steelworks
Upgrading to Str

President Lee Jaemyung held a series of bilateral meetings on security, defense, and economic cooperation on the occasion of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. The Lee administration utilized this APEC Summit as a stage to put into practice its national interest-oriented and pragmatic diplomacy.

During the meeting with Canada, the two countries signed a Military and Defense Classified Information Protection Agreement. With Australia, discussions focused on security and the mineral sector. President Lee also met with the leaders of New Zealand, Thailand, and Vietnam to reaffirm their commitment to cooperation.

On October 30, President Lee held a summit with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at a hotel in Gyeongju and issued a joint statement outlining a "Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership." This marks the first time Canada has established a security or defense partnership with an Indo-Pacific nation.

The agreement includes the signing of a "Military and Defense Classified Information Protection Agreement" between South Korea and Canada. Once the agreement takes effect, the two countries will be able to cooperate in defense procurement, defense industry security, research, and operational coordination.

The agreement is also expected to impact the ongoing "Canadian Next-Generation Submarine Project." Canada has launched a project worth 60 trillion won to procure up to 12 large-scale submarines. Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries are competing in the final round against Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. During the summit, President Lee stated, "We hope to contribute to strengthening defense industry capabilities," actively promoting South Korean defense companies. The two leaders also discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation. Prime Minister Carney, referring to the first-ever export of Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to South Korea this year, expressed hope to expand energy-related cooperation, including key minerals and small modular reactors (SMRs).

Yonhap News Agency

On the same day, President Lee also held a summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Prime Minister Albanese expressed his willingness to cooperate in the security sector, stating, "We will stand together against invasions and threats from North Korea." He added, "As allied nations, we are establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership, and I hope to further strengthen our economic ties in the future."

The discussions also covered key minerals such as rare earth elements. Prime Minister Albanese mentioned his visit to the POSCO steel mill in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, that afternoon, and noted, "Korean companies are making significant investments in lithium, key minerals, and rare earth elements in Australia." He emphasized, "These critical minerals will drive the global economy in the coming century."

During the summit with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, the two leaders agreed to elevate their relationship to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." This partnership signifies a high level of cooperation not only in the economy, but also in military and security fields. Since establishing diplomatic ties with New Zealand in 1962, South Korea has continuously strengthened the relationship. In a closed-door meeting, President Lee explained the significance of easing tensions and promoting denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and requested support. According to the presidential office, Prime Minister Luxon expressed his understanding and support.

During the summit with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, responses to transnational crimes such as online scams were on the agenda. The presidential office stated that both leaders agreed on the need for regional and international cooperation to address these issues. President Lee also requested that capable Korean companies be allowed to participate in Thailand’s defense industry projects, to which Prime Minister Anutin responded positively. The two countries also agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, defense, and future sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and energy transition.

Meanwhile, President Lee also met with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, stating, "I hope that a completely new and significantly upgraded partnership will be established in all areas."