1. Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kim Gunn held the 6th Korea-Canada Strategic Dialogue with Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada Paul Thoppil in a virtual format on December 15, and had in-depth discussions on substantive cooperation between the two countries; the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in other regions; global issues including women’s empowerment and climate change; and COVID-19 response.

o The two sides noted with appreciation that Korea and Canada have continued to expand substantive cooperation in trade and investment as well as cooperation on global issues in the multilateral arena, while frequently communicating and collaborating on COVID-19 response at various levels, including the leaders and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs.

o The two sides exchanged views on the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in major regions, and agreed to actively seek constructive ways of cooperation in the changing diplomatic landscape including the launch of the new U.S. administration.

o In addition, Deputy Minister Kim expressed hope that the two sides would lead the international community’s efforts to respond to key global issues including response to climate change, as major international events will take place, including the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit to be held next year.

o Regarding gender equality and women’s empowerment, the two sides shared their countries’ domestic achievements and international contributions. Deputy Minister Kim explained that Korea is taking an active part in the Women, Peace and Security agenda based on the two pillars of response to sexual violence in conflict and women’s participation in peace process.

o Deputy Minister Kim also introduced the “New Southern Policy Plus” announced at the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit in November, and the two sides agreed to seek cooperation with Canada’s regional initiative.

2. In particular, the two sides agreed to work together to hold the Korea-Canada Foreign and Defense Director General-level 2+2 Meeting in order to reinforce the bilateral Strategic Partnership in foreign and security affairs.

3. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Kim said that due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, the working holiday program could not be implemented as planned and proposed that the two sides hold consultations to make sure that once the COVID-19 situation improves next year, Korean working holiday applicants join the working holiday program in Canada as early as possible.

o In addition, in order to strengthen bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, Deputy Minister Kim asked Canada to look into ways to expand visa and quarantine exemptions so that Korean engineers and technicians in the area can enter Canada more easily.

4. The 6th Korea-Canada Strategic Dialogue served as an opportunity for the two countries to discuss the current state of substantive cooperation between the two countries on various global issues as well as the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in major regions, thereby deepening their understanding of each other as strategic partners and contributing to maintaining the momentum of communication and collaboration between the two countries.