Yoon Talks with Canadian Prime Minister... "North Korea May Deploy to Ukraine Front Sooner Than Expected"

Yoon-Trudeau Prime Ministers' Call... Discuss Security Cooperation
Yoon "Will Send Government Representative for Ukraine Reconstruction Support"
Trudeau "Possibility of War Escalation Due to North Korea Troop Deployment"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is having a phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, at the Presidential Office in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 29th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol held a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the 30th, during which they exchanged views on North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia and security and defense industry cooperation between the two countries, the presidential office announced.

In the call, President Yoon shared information about North Korea's troop deployment to Russia, explaining that "the deployment of North Korean troops to the actual front lines in Ukraine could occur at a faster pace than expected, creating a grave situation."

He emphasized that South Korea and Canada must continue a strong and unified response together with the international community. He also mentioned that South Korea will send a government representative for Ukraine reconstruction support to the upcoming official ministerial-level Ukraine peace meeting to be held in Canada.

In response, Prime Minister Trudeau said, "The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia increases the likelihood of an escalation in the Ukraine war," adding, "Since this will affect security across Europe and the Indo-Pacific region, the two countries should closely cooperate and respond accordingly."

President Yoon expressed hope that the high-level security dialogue between the two countries would be institutionalized through the first-ever 'Foreign Affairs and Defense 2+2 Ministerial Meeting' to be held in Ottawa, Canada, on the 1st of next month.

He particularly stated, "Defense industry cooperation holds significant meaning in enhancing comprehensive security cooperation between the two countries," and explained, "We hope that our companies will participate in Canada's future defense capability enhancement projects to strengthen mutually beneficial defense industry cooperation."

Prime Minister Trudeau said that the timing of holding the 'Foreign Affairs and Defense 2+2 Ministerial Meeting' reflects the deepening cooperation and friendship between the two countries over the past two years, as well as their increased roles in international security and the economy.

He added that he is well aware of the excellence of South Korea's defense industry and looks forward to cooperation with South Korea, a strategic partner that shares common values.

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