By Marc Garneau and Dr. Bark Taeho, Co-Chairs of the Canada-Korea Forum

November 28, 2024

Canada and Korea feature as crucial partners in each other’s Indo Pacific Strategies, with a particular interest in building a like-minded community in the North Pacific. As Co-Chairs of the Canada-Korea Forum, we recently convened the 21st edition of this annual dialogue in Montréal, bringing together leaders from government, academia, business and civil society. Under the theme Towards a Strong Strategic Partnership between Canada and Korea, the Forum addressed the critical challenges shaping our shared future.

This year’s discussions, spanning security, economic cooperation, energy and space, underscored areas where Canada and Korea can lead together – all the more relevant given the recent upgrade in the diplomatic relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Forum came at a pivotal moment in global affairs. With escalating geopolitical risks and a shifting global order, Canada and Korea – a pair of like-minded middle powers – must deepen their collaboration to safeguard stability and advance shared values.

Security and Geopolitical Cooperation

The Indo-Pacific is a focus of growing volatility, from North Korean provocations to rising authoritarianism. As middle powers, Canada and Korea are well-placed to bolster their defense cooperation through joint military exercises and collaborating on cybersecurity initiatives. Strengthening ties between our defence industries and fostering collaboration through NATO Centers of Excellence – such as the Climate Change and Security Centre in Montreal – would also ensure both nations are better prepared to navigate emerging threats. Together, we can stand as a bulwark for stability and shared values.

Economic and Energy Security

Global supply chain disruptions and energy transitions demand closer economic integration. Canada and Korea can harness their complementary strengths in critical minerals, clean technology and semiconductors to ensure economic resilience. Initiatives such as the LG Energy-Stellantis battery plant in Windsor highlight the potential of deepened collaboration, particularly in EVs and advanced manufacturing. Add Canada’s vast resources – including LNG, critical minerals and uranium – and you have a formula for addressing energy security while advancing climate goals.

Space Cooperation

Space represents a frontier of opportunity. Canada’s expertise in Earth observation, satellite communications and robotics complements Korea’s achievements in launch vehicle and satellite technology, creating avenues for joint innovation. Expanding collaboration in space science and technology, climate change monitoring, and sustainable space management would benefit our two nations.

Multilateral Engagement

At a time of rising authoritarianism and multilateral gridlock, Canada and Korea must lead efforts to rejuvenate global governance. From coordinating positions in international bodies to using the upcoming Canadian Presidency of the G7 to advocate for Korea’s inclusion, the two nations can exemplify how middle powers drive meaningful progress in global forums and set the tone for effective, values-driven multilateralism.

A Path Forward

As we reflect on the Forum’s discussions, it is clear that the Canada-Korea relationship is entering a new era. By enhancing cooperation in security, trade, energy and beyond, we can advance a shared vision for a rules-based international order and a sustainable future. This is not just a partnership of necessity but one of immense opportunity.

The Forum reaffirmed our commitment to transforming ideas into action. Together, we must seize the momentum of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to address the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

The full report from the 2024 Canada-Korea Forum will be available in mid-December here.

Marc Garneau is a former Canadian astronaut and the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.

Dr. Bark Taeho is the former Minister for Trade of the Republic of Korea. He is currently the President of the Global Commerce Institute of Lee & Ko, Professor Emeritus of the Seoul National University and President of the Seoul Forum for International Affairs (SFIA).