SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea and Canada are moving to broaden cooperation across defense, energy, artificial intelligence and critical minerals, as the two countries seek to turn their growing strategic partnership into more practical projects.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand agreed Wednesday to expand cooperation during a telephone conversation, according to Seoul’s Foreign Ministry.
At the center of the discussions was the countries’ Security and Defense Cooperation Partnership, established in October 2025. The ministers agreed to continue expanding practical cooperation in defense and the defense industry under the framework.
AI Cooperation Moves Higher on the Agenda
Artificial intelligence is also emerging as a major area of cooperation.
The two governments plan to discuss advanced technologies, including AI, during a joint science and technology committee meeting scheduled for Seoul next month.
The move comes as South Korea is accelerating its own efforts to develop advanced AI capabilities. Seoul recently announced a 4.7 trillion won ($3.5 billion) program aimed at developing a frontier AI model beginning in 2027.
The Korea-Canada discussions could therefore create another channel for collaboration in advanced technology, research and AI-related policy.
Energy Security and Critical Minerals Take Center Stage
Energy is another major pillar of the expanding relationship.
The ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation aimed at ensuring stable energy supplies while continuing bilateral and multilateral discussions on critical-mineral supply chains. South Korea’s imports of Canadian crude oil and liquefied natural gas have increased in recent years, according to Seoul’s Foreign Ministry.
The two countries have already identified energy resources and critical minerals as important areas for deeper economic cooperation. Canada said in June that South Korea plans to import at least 1.4 million tons of Canadian LNG annually for more than 30 years if LNG Canada Phase II proceeds into full production.
That relationship could become increasingly significant as both countries look to strengthen supply-chain resilience and secure resources needed for advanced industries.
Korean Companies Seek Continued Support in Canada
Foreign Minister Cho also asked Ottawa to continue supporting South Korean companies operating in Canada.
Korean businesses have been making substantial investments in strategic Canadian industries, including batteries and advanced materials. Seoul wants those companies to maintain smooth investment and business operations as Canada works to strengthen its industrial competitiveness.
The issue fits into a broader economic relationship that has expanded beyond traditional trade. Canadian and South Korean leaders have previously highlighted cooperation in clean technology, advanced manufacturing, energy, critical minerals and defense.
A Partnership Expanding Across Multiple Fronts
The latest talks build on a series of agreements reached this year.
In February, Canada and South Korea agreed to deepen security and defense cooperation, including work toward a Defence Cooperation Agreement, expanded military exercises and cooperation on defense science and technology. The two countries also committed to greater collaboration on AI governance, cybersecurity and space security.
The partnership is therefore expanding across several strategically important areas at once — from military cooperation and artificial intelligence to energy resources and critical minerals.
Both ministers also exchanged views on major regional and global issues, including the situation in the Middle East, and agreed to continue working together on peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the wider region.
With the next science and technology meeting set for Seoul, the coming months could reveal whether the growing Korea-Canada partnership translates into concrete projects across AI, energy and defense.
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