Seoul:South Korea and Canada have agreed to enhance their collaboration in key sectors such as defense, energy, and artificial intelligence. This decision was made during telephone discussions between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, as reported by Seoul's foreign ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministers committed to expanding "practical cooperation" within the defense and arms industry. This initiative builds upon the Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership established between the two nations in October 2025, marking Canada's first partnership of this kind with an Indo-Pacific country.
The ministers also plan to discuss advancements in AI and other technologies at an upcoming joint committee on science and technology in Seoul. As South Korea has seen a rise in imports of Canadian crude oil and LNG, both sides are keen on enhancing energy cooperation and discussing the development of critical mineral supply chains.
Additionally, Minister Cho requested Canadian support for South Korean companies investing in Canada's strategic sectors, such as batteries and advanced materials. The two diplomats also exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues, including the Middle East situation, and agreed to continue efforts to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.