Korea and Canada Establish Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership... Agreement Reached on General Security of Military Information

In Gyeongju, President Lee Jae-myung and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Joseph Carney met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on the 30th. During their bilateral meeting, they unveiled a bold new roadmap to deepen cooperation between the two countries in security, defense, and interconnected strategic areas such as cyber, space, and complex threats.
Amid a rapidly changing global environment, the two leaders reaffirmed the strength and vitality of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Korea and Canada. Building on the outcomes of the first Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2) held in November 2024, they welcomed the establishment of the Korea-Canada Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership. Notably, this marks the first such announcement by Canada with a country in the Indo-Pacific region.
This partnership will accelerate defense cooperation, enhance interoperability and readiness, promote collaboration in the defense industry, and provide a clear, action-oriented framework for joint contributions to regional and global stability. It also aims to foster a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, support innovation and resilience in the defense sector, and create new opportunities for workers and businesses in both Korea and Canada.
The two leaders also announced the conclusion of substantial negotiations on the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). This agreement will offer a secure and reliable framework for the exchange and protection of classified information, supporting deeper cooperation in defense, security, and the defense industry. Once in effect, GSOMIA is expected to provide a legal foundation for enhanced collaboration in defense procurement, defense industry security, research, and operational coordination—serving as a key milestone in advancing the strategic partnership between Korea and Canada.

syj@fnnews.com Seo Young-jun Reporter