Korea-Canada Strategic Dialogue... Agreement to Promote Director-General Level Foreign Affairs and Defense '2+2 Consultative Body'

Discussion on climate change, women·peace·security, New Southern Policy Plus, etc.
Cooperation on Canadian working holiday and entry of experts in critical infrastructure sectors

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Kim Geon, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, held the 6th Korea-Canada Strategic Dialogue via video conference on the 15th with Paul Topil, Deputy Minister of Global Affairs of Canada, and had in-depth discussions on practical cooperation between the two countries, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and regional affairs, global issues such as women's empowerment and climate change, and responses to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Both sides evaluated that Korea and Canada have been communicating and cooperating frequently at various levels including heads of state and foreign ministers during the COVID-19 response process, while continuously expanding bilateral practical cooperation in trade and investment as well as cooperation on global issues in multilateral forums. In particular, they exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and major regional affairs and agreed to actively seek constructive cooperation measures amid changes in the diplomatic environment such as the inauguration of the new U.S. administration.

Furthermore, Deputy Minister Kim expressed hope that the two countries would jointly lead the international community's efforts to respond to major global issues such as climate change, as major international events including the P4G (Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030) Summit are scheduled for next year.

Both sides shared domestic achievements and international contributions related to gender equality and women's empowerment, while Deputy Minister Kim emphasized that Korea is actively participating in the Women, Peace and Security agenda, focusing on responding to conflict-related sexual violence and women's participation in the peace process.

Deputy Minister Kim also introduced the "New Southern Policy Plus" announced at the Korea-ASEAN Summit last November and agreed to seek cooperation with Canada's ongoing regional initiatives. Both sides decided to promote the Korea-Canada Director-General level Foreign and Defense (2+2) Consultative Mechanism to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries in the diplomatic and security fields.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Kim proposed that since the working holiday program could not be sufficiently promoted this year due to the impact of COVID-19, preparations should be made to enable Korean working holiday applicants to start activities in Canada early once the COVID-19 situation improves next year. He then requested consideration of expanding visa and quarantine exemption conveniences to facilitate smoother entry of Korean related professionals into Canada to strengthen cooperation in key infrastructure sectors between the two countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.