According to a statement from South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vice Minister for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won met with Weldon Epp, Canada’s Assistant Deputy Minister for the Indo-Pacific at Global Affairs Canada, in Ottawa on Friday, March 7, 2025. The two officials agreed to further develop their achievements in five key areas of cooperation: international order, national security, economy and technology, climate change, energy security, and culture.[1]
This development will benefit both nations in various fields, from global security to economic growth, technological innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. Additionally, both sides pledged to play a more active role on the international stage, aligning their diplomatic stances in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations (UN), the G20, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to enhance global stability through diplomatic cooperation.
In response to North Korea’s nuclear and missile provocations and its military ties with Russia, both countries vowed to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). They also reaffirmed their commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace in Ukraine. Furthermore, South Korea and Canada plan to hold the inaugural Korea-Canada Indo-Pacific Dialogue this year to share their Indo-Pacific strategies and enhance cooperation between their coast guards to improve maritime security in the North Pacific.[2]
This kind of multilateral cooperation underscores the significance of international law and reinforces shared values, thereby strengthening the legitimacy and credibility of the global system. Canada has been a consistent supporter of peacekeeping efforts and diplomatic initiatives to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula since the Korean War.
Given the Indo-Pacific’s role as a region of intense military and economic competition, South Korea and Canada are expected to develop mechanisms that enhance regional security and trade while contributing to global stability. The signing of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) in 2015 has already bolstered economic ties between the two nations. Expanding bilateral dialogues could lead to alternative trade routes in the region, further integrating the Indo-Pacific economy.
This cooperation serves as an exemplary case of multilateral diplomacy, playing a crucial role in ensuring the region’s long-term stability. Enhanced security cooperation between the two nations will also facilitate the implementation of peaceful solutions in the region, as potential crises in areas such as economy, energy, and security could have far-reaching consequences beyond the Asia-Pacific.
While South Korea maintains a delicate balance with its major trading partner, China, it also continues diplomatic engagements with the United States and Western countries to counter North Korea’s military presence in the region. Given South Korea’s current political uncertainty—marked by a temporary martial law and an impeachment process initiated by the National Assembly—concerns over potential North Korean provocations have increased.[3] In this context, Canada’s potential role in strengthening South Korea’s defense capabilities, alongside the U.S., holds significant strategic importance. Deepening security ties with Canada will bolster South Korea’s international resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Meanwhile, Canada, while maintaining its dialogues with allies such as Australia, Japan, and the U.S., seeks to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific through multilateral cooperation with South Korea. The strategic alignment of both countries in economic and political interests reflects the broader dynamics of a multipolar world order. This collaboration will not only help stabilize relations between Asia and the West through various partnerships but also pave the way for increased diplomatic cooperation to mitigate regional tensions.
In conclusion, the strategic partnership between South Korea and Canada reinforces the principles of multilateral diplomacy, strengthening regional dialogues in global governance and ensuring the security of international maritime trade. Furthermore, in light of the intensifying China-U.S. rivalry in the Indo-Pacific, South Korea-Canada cooperation will serve as a stabilizing factor, preventing the competition from escalating into a long-term conflict.
At the core of this collaboration is a commitment to maintaining a balanced global power structure. By addressing regional challenges in areas such as economy and security, both nations emphasize the importance of diplomatic dialogue in upholding global stability. This approach highlights the crucial role of regional partnerships in fostering broader international cooperation, setting a precedent for future multilateral engagements.
[1] “S. Korea, Canada bolster strategic partnership” The Korea Herald, https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10436782, (Date Accessed: 08.03.2025).
[2] Ibid.
[3] “Diversifying Cooperation Amid Uncertainty: Canada’s Role in South Korean Defense”, The Institute for Peace and Diplomacy, https://peacediplomacy.org/2025/03/07/diversifying-cooperation-amid-uncertainty-canadas-role-in-south-korean-defense/, (Date Accessed: 09.03.2025).
