Canada, South Korea Launch Security Partnership, Trade Talks at APEC Summit

Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada met with several key leaders in Gyeongju, South Korea, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, advancing bilateral and regional cooperation. Carney and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement and announced a new Security and Defence Cooperation Partnership to enhance collaboration in defence, maritime security, and aerospace, alongside concluding a General Security of Information Agreement to support defence industry cooperation. Carney also highlighted Canada's goal to double non-U.S. exports and announced a forthcoming Team Canada Trade Mission to Korea in 2026. Additionally, Carney met with leaders from Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore to discuss economic and trade cooperation within the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and regional security. In separate talks, Carney engaged with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand, agreeing to launch negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement and accelerate work on a Canada-ASEAN agreement, focusing on sectors such as agri-food, infrastructure, clean technology, and defence. Lastly, Carney prepared for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to deepen trade and security ties amid efforts to reduce Canada's dependence on the U.S. market.