Main Activities
Speaker Kim speaks with Canadian PM Trudeau (1)
- Jul 31, 2023
- 205
- Speaker Kim suggests strengthening parliamentary cooperation by adopting a resolution to commemorate six decades of
ROK-Canada diplomatic relations
- Speaker Kim asserts that Korea is an optimal partner to Canada in economic security cooperation, citing Canada’s abundant
resources and high-tech sector that can complement the Korean economy
- Prime Minister Trudeau underlines the need to guarantee security in the North Pacific region and promote economic exchange
based on security cooperation among Korea, Canada, the U.S., and Japan
- Prime Minister Trudeau expresses hopes for embarking on the next 60 years as close allies
- Trudeau delivers first in-person speech at the National Assembly since former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2017 address
The Republic of Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo on May 17 spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about ways to develop the two countries’ relationship, which marks its 60th anniversary this year. Trudeau, 51, is a member of Canada’s House of Commons who has served as Prime Minister since 2015. The latest visit was arranged after Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol paid an official visit to Canada in September 2022 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Korea-Canada diplomatic relations [established in January 1963].
“Prime Minister Trudeau’s parliamentary address, scheduled for today, marks the first in-person speech to parliament* since former U.S. President Donald Trump’s address in 2017 and is the first by a Canadian Prime Minister in 14 years. It is a significant speech which aims to share a vision for the next sixty years of bilateral relations to both countries’ parliaments as well as to the people of the two nations,” said Speaker Kim.
* Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a virtual address to the National Assembly in April 2022.
He continued by saying, “The Korean people remember the commitment and sacrifice of the Korean War veterans from Canada [which dispatched 27,000 troops, the third largest contingent after the United States and United Kingdom] who fought for peace and freedom,” while also expressing hopes of strengthened bilateral relations by expanding personnel exchange and practical cooperation with Canada, one of Koreans’ favorite countries and home to 240,000 Korean residents.
Kim added, “The National Assembly of Korea plans to adopt a special resolution promoting steady development of ROK-Canada diplomatic relations in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the bilateral alliance [proposed on May 9, 2023]. If the Canadian Parliament also passes a resolution to commemorate our sixty years of ties, it will help foster a closer relationship between both parliaments.”
Prime Minister Trudeau mentioned Korea’s achievements in recent decades, such as creating a society where people are free to participate in politics based on the principles of democracy. He said that through bilateral cooperation, he expects even more people to have faith in the possibility of a promising future, even in a time of uncertainty marked by climate change, wars, inflation, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaker Kim also asked for Prime Minister Trudeau’s interest in and support for Korean companies’ investment in Canada, particularly in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, saying “The Republic of Korea represents the optimal partner for economic security cooperation with Canada, with its abundant resources and high-tech industry, as the only Asian country to forge a bilateral free trade agreement with it [took effect January 2015].” Prime Minister Trudeau agreed on the need to bolster cooperation, considering the often-complementary nature of the two countries’ economic relationship.
Trudeau expressed concern about geopolitical risk in the North Pacific region and highlighted the need for a strong security partnership to achieve economic stability, success, and prosperity, citing the connectivity of the two countries’ economic and security policies. He said it is necessary to guarantee security in the North Pacific through a quadrilateral security cooperation system among Korea, Canada, the U.S. and Japan and to foster an open environment to promote economic exchange.
Kim noted, “Despite facing food shortages and financial hardship, North Korea has continued its missile provocations and even recently declared a preemptive nuclear strike, posing a serious threat to denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula.” He expressed gratitude for Canada’s support for the Korean government’s strategic efforts to stop the North’s provocations and return to dialogue on denuclearization, while also requesting close parliamentary cooperation on that front.
Following their discussion, Speaker Kim and Prime Minister Trudeau moved to the Plenary Chamber. Kim welcomed Trudeau’s address, saying “This visit will provide a crucial opportunity for our two nations to move forward with Stronger Together* toward a brighter future.”
* Slogan for the 60th anniversary of ROK-Canada diplomatic ties
In his remarks, Trudeau suggested preparing for the next sixty years of peace, prosperity, and sustainability as the closest of allies, beyond partners. He underlined the importance of promoting the bilateral relationship, preserving democratic values, responding to climate and energy crises, jointly coping with a changing global landscape, and working together for the benefit of future generations.
Attendees from the Canadian side included Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly; Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne; Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Tamara Mawhinney; Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Katie Telford; National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister Jody Thomas; Interim Foreign and Defence Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister Jordan Zed; Senior Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister Ben Chin; Deputy Communications Director in the Office of the Prime Minister Vanessa Hage-Moussa; and Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister Oz Jungic. From the Korean side, attendees included Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung; Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea Park Kwang-on; Floor Leader of People Power Party Yoon Jae-ok; Floor Leader of the Justice Party Bae Jin-gyo; National Assembly members Seo Young-kyo, Kim Seok-ki, and Yang Jung-suk; Secretary General of the Natioanl Assembly Lee Kwang-jae; Chief of Staff to the Speaker Park Kyung-mee; and Korean Ambassador to Canada Lim Woong-soon.
