On September 11, 2024, Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, met with his South Korean counterpart, Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, in Seoul to discuss deepening military cooperation and address security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting highlighted the enduring alliance between Canada and the Republic of Korea (ROK), rooted in a shared history that dates back to the Korean War, when over 26,000 Canadians served. To this day, Canada maintains a military presence on the Korean Peninsula through its participation in the United Nations Command (UNC), including the involvement of Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay as UNC’s Canadian Deputy Commander.
Minister Blair expressed gratitude to Minister Kim for inviting Canada to co-host the second UNC Member States’ Ministerial Meeting. He reiterated Canada’s unwavering commitment to the UNC and its role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
With growing security threats in the Indo-Pacific, Minister Blair emphasized that Canada is stepping up its military presence in the area. Canada’s updated defence strategy, Our North, Strong and Free, identifies the Indo-Pacific as crucial to its future security. In support of this, Canada now deploys three naval vessels annually to the region, increasing cooperation with partners like the ROK. Moreover, significant investments in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) are underway, including the construction of 15 new River-class destroyers and the launch of a process to acquire up to 12 conventionally-powered submarines.
Blair voiced his concerns over North Korea’s provocative actions, including its missile tests and nuclear advancements. He also expressed apprehension over the growing military ties between North Korea and Russia, specifically the recent signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has far-reaching implications for security both on and beyond the Korean Peninsula. Canada’s commitment to preserving stability in the region includes enforcing UN sanctions against North Korea through Operation NEON.
In 2022, Canada and the ROK upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with security and defence cooperation being a key pillar. Ministers Blair and Kim reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening this bond, citing the recently launched Action Plan on implementing the partnership. Their talks also paved the way for the creation of a High-Level Foreign and Defence Policy Dialogue and further collaboration through Canada-ROK Army Staff Talks.
The two leaders explored ways to deepen cooperation between their defence industries. Minister Blair acknowledged South Korea’s hospitality during the second Canada-ROK Joint Meeting (Materiel) held earlier this year, with plans for Canada to host the third meeting in Ottawa in 2025. These discussions, governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2022, facilitate the exchange of ideas on defence technology, research, and potential joint ventures. Blair also welcomed a recent agreement between South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration and the Canadian Commercial Corporation, signifying growing commercial defence ties.
During his visit, Blair made a symbolic trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and met with Canadian troops stationed in South Korea. He also participated in a Defence Industry Engagement Showcase, met with the ROK’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and delivered speeches at the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain Summit and the Seoul Defence Dialogue.
As the world faces shifting security dynamics, Canada remains committed to bolstering its partnership with South Korea, working to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and uphold the rules-based international order.