1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha spoke over the phone with Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne on the morning of September 11 (Korea Standard Time), and discussed cooperation on COVID-19 response and ways to work together in the multilateral arena.

2. The two Ministers agreed that the Republic of Korea and Canada, like-minded countries sharing values and principles on the global stage, will work more closely together both at the bilateral and multilateral levels in responding to COVID-19.

o Minister Champagne noted that the ROK’s COVID-19 response is being recognized as an exemplary model for the international community. Minister Kang said that amid the prolonged COVID-19 situation, the international community should remain vigilant and patient in its response to the situation.

3. In addition, the two Ministers assessed that with this year marking the 5th anniversary of the entry into force of the ROK-Canada FTA, bilateral trade and economic cooperation have been steadily expanding, and expressed hope that companies of the two countries would increase cooperation in areas related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including artificial intelligence (AI).

4. In the phone conversation, Minister Kang requested Canada’s support for Minister for Trade Yoo Myung-hee, a candidate for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General.
 

o Minister Kang said that Trade Minister Yoo with expertise and leadership in international trade will play a bridging role between developed and developing countries as well as build a good cooperative relationship with Canada.

5. Minister Kang expressed appreciation for Canada’s support for the Korean Peninsula peace process. Minister Champagne hoped that the establishment of permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula would be achieved as early as possible, and expressed Canada’s steadfast support.

6. The phone conversation was held at the request of the Canadian side. The ROK and Canada have been in close communication on COVID-19 response and a range of other issues at various levels, including between the leaders.