[Gyeongju APEC] Lee Meets Canadian Prime Minister: "Key Partner on Par with an Ally... Expanding Cooperation"

Lee Highlights Cultural Cooperation, Mentions "K-Pop Demon Hunters"

President Lee Jaemyung met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation beyond defense into various fields, stating, "Canada is not just a friendly nation, but a key partner on par with an ally."

Yonhap News Agency

On October 30 in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, during a summit with Prime Minister Carney, President Lee said, "During the Korean War, Canada dispatched an enormous force of 27,000 troops to Korea and made great efforts to defend the free Republic of Korea, even suffering nearly 400 casualties."

President Lee also noted, "We are already cooperating in various areas, not only in the field of defense but also in the economic sector, and this cooperation will continue to expand in the future." He further stated, "Canada has taken a leading role in foundational research on artificial intelligence, which is why the world is now enjoying significant benefits from AI."

Additionally, President Lee remarked, "Cultural exchanges between the two countries are also active, and I believe that Maggie Kang, a Korean-Canadian who directed 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' is a testament to Canada's cultural capabilities. Many people around the world thought it was made in Korea, but in fact, it was directed by a Canadian."

President Lee concluded, "Although the international order surrounding Canada and Korea is very complex and there are various risk factors, I hope we can overcome these challenges wisely through cooperation and mutual support."

Prime Minister Carney welcomed President Lee, saying, "This year marks the 10th anniversary of the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Korea is an extremely important partner for Canada in defense, commerce, culture, and all areas." He added, "Defense cooperation is steadily increasing, and cultural exchanges are also growing, making this a very significant time."

The luncheon following the summit will feature a five-course meal that incorporates key ingredients from both Korea and Canada. The pre-meal toast will be a non-alcoholic beverage called 'Promise of Wolji,' made with Canadian maple syrup, Korean ginger syrup, and pear. 'Wolji' refers to a banquet hall from the Silla era that welcomed distinguished guests, symbolizing the honor of hosting Prime Minister Carney during his visit to Korea.

The main course will be Canadian lobster and tenderloin steak from Gyeongju, symbolically representing the friendship that spans both land and sea. For dessert, guests will be served 'Wolmyeong,' a mousse cake symbolizing Gyeongju's brilliant moonlight, along with 'Chalbori Gabae,' a beverage made by roasting and grinding Gyeongju's specialty glutinous barley and brewing it like coffee.

Meanwhile, in the afternoon, Prime Minister Carney is scheduled to accompany Prime Minister Kim Minseok on a tour of the Hanwha shipyard in Geoje, where they will reaffirm the two countries' strong commitment to cooperation in security and defense.

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