Evian-les-bains: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized the quick advancement of bilateral relations with Canada, stating that the ties are progressing in a mutually beneficial way during his talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting between the two leaders took place on the sidelines of a Group of Seven (G7) summit in Evian-les-Bains. President Lee was attending the summit for the second consecutive year as the head of an invited country. The discussions occurred ahead of Canada's anticipated decision on the preferred bidder for its significant submarine acquisition project valued at 60 trillion-won (US$39.8 billion), expected by late June.
A competitive bid for the deal is underway, with a consortium of South Korea's Hanwha Ocean Co. and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. vying against Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. During their meeting, President Lee remarked, "As like-minded countries, relations between our two nations are briskly advancing in a mutually beneficial manner," underscoring the importance of cooperation. He further suggested exploring more detailed areas of collaboration.
Prime Minister Carney acknowledged the strengthening partnership between South Korea and Canada, highlighting defense, investment, and culture as key sectors where cooperation has been expanding.