Cho Hyun Visits Canada: "Korean Submarines Will Greatly Contribute to Canada's Economic Revitalization and Job Creation"

Separate Meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand
On the Occasion of the Korea-Canada Foreign and Defense Ministers' 2+2 Meeting

Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a separate bilateral meeting with Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the 25th (local time) on the occasion of the Korea-Canada Foreign and Defense Ministers' 2+2 Meeting. At this meeting, Minister Cho actively explained the excellent performance of Korean submarines and their timely delivery capabilities.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a separate bilateral meeting with Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Ottawa on the 25th (local time). Provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 26th, Minister Cho stressed at the foreign ministers' meeting held in Ottawa, Canada, that "if Korea participates in Canada's next-generation submarine project, it will greatly contribute to Canada's economic revitalization and job creation." His remarks appear to have been made ahead of the main bidding for the Canadian "Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP)," which is valued at 60 trillion won.

In response, Minister Anand expressed interest in the various forms of cooperation that Korea could propose and replied, "Korea's bid will be fully reviewed in accordance with the prescribed procedures."

The two ministers agreed to update the "Korea-Canada Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan," which the two countries have been implementing. They also shared the view that, as two countries with complementary economic structures, Korea and Canada can become optimal economic security partners as they jointly respond to supply chain crises while adhering to a rules-based trading order. They further agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment and to develop supply chain cooperation, including in energy and critical minerals.

In addition, they agreed that various forms of linkages among middle-power countries are needed to respond to geopolitical uncertainties, and held close discussions on ways to build a free trade coalition among middle-power countries through frameworks such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Minister Cho also emphasized Korea's North Korea policy for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and explained the goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through the stages of "freeze-reduction-dismantlement" of North Korea's nuclear capabilities. In response, Minister Anand said, "We appreciate the Korean government's efforts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula," and added, "Let us maintain close communication for peace and stability in the region."

Meanwhile, Minister Cho invited Minister Anand to visit Korea this year. Minister Anand expressed her appreciation for the invitation and suggested that they consult on specific dates.