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Kang Hoonshik, Chief of Staff to the President, is speaking at the Korea-Canada Advanced Industry Cooperation Business Roundtable on the 1st (local time). (Photo by Kang Hoonshik)<\/p>\n
\t\t\t In a post on Facebook on June 2 (local time), Kang reported that he had separate meetings with Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr and Minister of National Defence David McGuinty on June 1. As the competition for Canada\u2019s Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP)\u2014estimated at up to 60 trillion won\u2014is entering its final stage, Kang highlighted the procurement capabilities of Korea\u2019s defense industry and the possibilities for industrial cooperation.<\/p>\n During the meetings, Kang emphasized that, amid rising global uncertainties such as the prolonged conflict in the Middle East, Korea, as a leading defense nation, is both willing and able to contribute to strengthening Canada\u2019s security. He added that for Prime Minister Carney\u2019s advocated \u201cmiddle power solidarity\u201d to have real meaning, Canada\u2019s engagement in the Indo-Pacific\u2014the \u201csea of the future\u201d\u2014is essential.<\/p>\n Kang noted that Minister McGuinty agreed with this perspective and suggested that both sides should continue to swiftly develop strategic approaches for realizing middle power solidarity. Kang also shared an anecdote: due to a delayed flight, he arrived at the meeting just in time, to which both ministers reassured him that “flight delays are an everyday occurrence in Canada.”<\/p>\n During the meeting, Kang joked, “Our submarine, currently docked on Canada\u2019s west coast, traveled 14,000 kilometers across the Pacific without a single delay and arrived on time; next time, I\u2019ll have to come by submarine,” subtly highlighting the long-range operational capabilities and punctuality of Korean submarines.<\/p>\n This visit marks Kang\u2019s second trip to Canada since January. He shared that, as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, he returned to Canada and, upon arrival at Toronto Airport, first visited the Sewol Ferry Memorial Bench on the shores of Lake Ontario. Standing before the inscription \u201cWe will not forget,\u201d left by the Korean community, Kang reflected that “the most important thing is to always remember the duty to protect the lives and safety of the people.”<\/p>\n The first official event was the Korea-Canada Advanced Industry Cooperation Business Roundtable. At this roundtable, Kang discussed avenues for collaboration in promising future sectors such as defense, space, and hydrogen. Representing Ontario, Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce proposed cooperation in critical minerals, nuclear power including small modular reactors (SMRs), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and crude oil. Kang relayed that Minister Lecce remarked, “As blood allies who have shed blood together, let us continue to fight side by side for the next generation as well.”<\/p>\n Kang stressed that combining Canada\u2019s abundant resources and technology with Korea\u2019s advanced manufacturing capabilities could become a model for the \u201cmiddle power solidarity\u201d championed by Prime Minister Carney. He also announced plans to continue expanding Korea\u2019s purchases and investments in Canadian crude oil, LNG, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and critical minerals.<\/p>\n At the event, Kang declared, “Build Canada Strong with Korea.” The intention is to expand bilateral cooperation beyond simple trade into a strategic partnership encompassing energy security, supply chains, advanced manufacturing, and defense exports.<\/p>\n \t\t\t Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, is giving a speech on the 1st (local time) during his visit to Martinrea, a leading Canadian automotive parts company. (Photo by Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary)<\/p>\n
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