[Gyeongju APEC] Korea and Canada Reach Substantial Agreement on Military and Defense Classified Information Protection

Canada Announces First-Ever Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership with an Indo-Pacific Country
Establishment of the Korea-Canada Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership

President Lee Jaemyung and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, and announced the substantial conclusion of negotiations on the Military and Defense Classified Information Protection Agreement, reaffirming the two countries as strategic partners in the fields of defense and security.

Yonhap News Agency

According to the Presidential Office on October 30, in Gyeongju, President Lee and Prime Minister Carney, who visited Korea for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, announced a roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation in strategic areas such as security, defense, and cyber, space, and hybrid threats.

The two leaders reaffirmed the strength of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Korea and Canada. Building on the achievements of the first Foreign and Defense (2+2) Ministers’ Meeting held in November last year, both leaders welcomed the establishment of the Korea-Canada Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership. This is the first such announcement by Canada with a country in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two countries will accelerate defense cooperation and enhance interoperability and readiness. They will also expand cooperation in the defense industry and provide a clear, action-oriented framework for jointly contributing to regional and global stability.

In addition, the two leaders concluded substantial negotiations on the Military and Defense Classified Information Protection Agreement. This agreement will provide a secure and reliable framework for the exchange and protection of classified information to support deeper cooperation in defense, security, and the defense industry. Once in effect, it will establish a legal basis for cooperation in areas such as defense procurement, defense project security, research, and operational coordination.

The two leaders stated, "In an increasingly turbulent world, Korea and Canada are jointly strengthening and diversifying their trade and defense relations to address shared challenges," and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation as strategic partners in the fields of defense and security.

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