Minister Joly to advance economic security cooperation in the Republic of Korea and deepen ties with the Philippines

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

May 14, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be travelling to Seoul, Republic of Korea (Korea), from May 15 to 17, 2023 to jointly advance both countries’ economic prosperity and security cooperation. She will also visit Manila, Philippines, from May 18 to 21, to advance bilateral cooperation and the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

In Seoul, Minister Joly will participate in the High-Level Economic Security Dialogue with the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and their Korean counterparts. The Dialogue seeks to pursue the Leaders’ commitments to addressing economic security challenges through enhanced bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and deepen the two countries’ strategic partnership on value chain and supply chain resiliency. Minister Joly will then join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his official visit to the Republic of Korea and will participate in a series of high-level meetings, including with President Yoon Suk Yeol, to advance Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the implementation of the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In Manila, Minister Joly will meet with Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and other members of the Cabinet to discuss regional security and stability, maintenance of a rules-based international order, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, and partnership with ASEAN. Minister Joly will also engage with government officials, academics, non-governmental organizations, and civil society leaders to gain insights into the challenges facing the Philippines and the region. Building on the strong people to people ties between the two countries, she will seek ways to enhance cooperation under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to confront malign influence, combat climate change, protect maritime environments and build more resilient, inclusive and prosperous societies.

Throughout her visit to Korea and the Philippines, Minister Joly will promote the strong vibrant people-to-people ties between Canada and its Indo-Pacific partners.

Quotes

“The Indo-Pacific is the global centre of economic dynamism and is of strategic importance to our security. What brings our countries together is our unwavering commitment to democracy, prosperity, and a free, open and sustainable Indo-Pacific, rooted in the rule of law. Canada continues to deepen relationships in the region with key partners, including Korea and the Philippines.”

- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

  • According to Census 2021, more than 200,000 Canadians identify as being of Korean origin. More than 27,000 Canadians currently reside in Korea, including about 3,200 English language teachers.

  • During his first visit to Canada in September 2022, Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau upgraded the Canada-Republic of Korea relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership based on 5 shared priorities in democratic values and human rights, defence and security, prosperity, innovation and economic security, climate change and sustainability, culture and health, and beyond.

  • South Korea is Canada’s seventh largest merchandise trading partner, 6th largest merchandise export market, and 6th largest source of merchandise imports. Canada-Korea two-way merchandise trade grew by 30.8% in the past year, reaching a record high of $21.9 billion in 2022. In the same year, Canada exported $8.7 billion of merchandise to Korea, consisting primarily of mineral fuels and oils, mineral ores, meat, pulp of wood and nickel. Imports from Korea reached $13.2B, consisting largely of vehicles and parts, machinery, electronics, iron & steel, and pharmaceutical products.

  • The ever-increasing people-to-people links between Canada and the Philippines contribute to the growth of both societies. According to the 2021 census, there are 960,000 people of Philippine origin living in Canada, while a growing number of Philippine citizens visit family and friends in Canada, study at Canadian colleges and universities or emigrate to Canada.

  • The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in the Indo-Pacific region creating commercial, development and climate finance opportunities for Canada. In 2022, Canada-Philippines bilateral merchandise trade totalled $3.1 billion Canadian with merchandise exports to the Philippines valued at $1.1 billion ($1.3B in 2021), while imports from the Philippines amounted to $1.94 billion ($1.4B in 2021).

Associated links

Contacts

Adrien Blanchard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adrien.Blanchard@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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