“Russia is keeping an eye on the possibility of providing sensitive technology to North Korea… “We will take additional measures with the international community.”
2+2 held every other year, launch of Intae Dialogue… Agreement to accelerate negotiations on Military Secrets Protection Agreement
The diplomatic and security leaders of South Korea and Canada strongly condemned North Korea’s nuclear and missile launches and deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, including the dispatch of troops to Russia, and decided to seek additional measures together with the international community.
The two countries newly launched the ‘Indo-Pacific Dialogue’ to discuss substantive cooperation projects and agreed to accelerate negotiations to conclude the ‘Military and Defense Secret Information Protection Agreement’.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yeol, Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie and Defense Minister Bill Blair held the ’1st Korea-China Foreign Affairs and Defense (2+2) Ministerial Meeting’ in Ottawa, Canada on the 1st (local time) and discussed the following. adopted a joint statement.
This ministerial meeting is a key achievement of the ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan’ adopted in July, based on upgrading the diplomatic relations between the two countries to ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’.
In a statement, the two countries said they were “determining deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, including North Korea’s provision of millions of rounds of ammunition and ballistic missiles to support Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable war of aggression in Ukraine.” “I condemn it in the strongest language possible,” he said.
He continued, “We are seriously concerned that a large number of North Korean troops have been dispatched to Russia, and this is a significant act of escalating tensions that poses a risk to the security and stability of Europe and the international region.”
“We are closely watching what Russia is providing to North Korea in return for North Korea’s support of weapons and troops to Russia.” “(In particular) we are also watching the possibility of providing sensitive technology for the development of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs.”
The two countries said, “We urge North Korea and Russia to immediately stop these illegal and destabilizing activities and withdraw North Korean troops from Russia,” adding, “Based on the recognition that the security of the international community and the Euro-Atlantic region are becoming more closely linked, “We promise to actively seek additional measures together,” he said.
The two countries also condemned North Korea’s continued missile provocations, including the test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on the 31st of last month.
“This shows that North Korea continues to prioritize its illegal weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs over the welfare of the North Korean people,” the two countries said, warning that “additional nuclear tests by North Korea will face a strong and decisive response from the international community.” .
The two countries are making multilateral efforts to monitor North Korea’s sanctions evasion activities, including the ‘Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT)’, a new sanctions monitoring mechanism against North Korea, and Canada is conducting asset monitoring through its military’s ‘Operation NEON’. It was decided to continue the development.
The two countries also reaffirmed that the human rights situation in North Korea is intrinsically linked to international peace and security, and agreed to pursue responsibility for human rights violations through the ‘Universal Periodic Review’ (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council, which is scheduled to be held soon. He also expressed expectations about holding the next Korea-Canada North Korean Human Rights Consultation.
In addition, they demanded the immediate and complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory without conditions. “Our commitment to safeguard and defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity remains unwavering,” the two countries said. “Efforts by any country to support Russia’s war economy through the transfer of dual-use materials, including weapons components and equipment, will not prevent Russia from doing so.” “We are deeply concerned about this as it is an act that will prolong and continue the illegal war in Ukraine,” he said.
In addition, the two countries agreed to launch the In-Pacific Dialogue to identify synergistic projects and seek joint action on common regional priorities, including the North Pacific.
Diplomatic information cooperation and analysis exchanges between the foreign ministries of the two countries will be strengthened.
It was decided to accelerate negotiations to conclude the ‘Military and Defense Secret Information Protection Agreement’, strengthen bilateral and multilateral training, including regular army dialogue, and hold the first meeting in Canada.
In accordance with the ‘Korea-Canada Defense Industry-Logistics Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding’, the ‘3rd Korea-Canada Defense Industry-Logistics Joint Committee’ will be held in Canada next year to identify and expand opportunities for defense cooperation. It was also decided to hold a ‘Korea-Canada Bilateral Cyber Policy Council’.
In addition, both countries expressed concern over illegal maritime territorial claims in the South China Sea, targeting China, saying, “We oppose any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in Intai waters,” and reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
We decided to cooperate to successfully host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) next year. Canada also looked forward to cooperation with Korea to advance the priorities of the G7.
It was decided to deepen joint engagement in ASEAN by utilizing the ‘ASEAN-Korea (ASEAN) Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ and the ‘Canada-ASEAN Strategic Partnership’.
The two countries decided to hold a 2+2 ministerial meeting every two years and to follow-up review of the results discussed that day at the 2026 meeting.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on International Relations
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. The recent 2+2 Ministerial Meeting between South Korea and Canada has raised significant concerns regarding the deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. What stood out to you about the discussions held during this meeting?
Expert: Thank you for having me. The meeting was crucial, especially in the context of the escalating tensions in Northeast Asia and Eastern Europe. The strong condemnation of North Korea’s missile tests and the military support it provides to Russia underscores a united front by South Korea and Canada. They are clearly alarmed by the implications this alliance could have not just regionally, but on global security as a whole.
Editor: Absolutely. The statement mentioning North Korean troops being dispatched to Russia is particularly alarming. What do you believe are the potential risks of this military collaboration?
Expert: The dispatch of North Korean troops to Russia raises serious security concerns. This is not just about regional stability; it could have direct implications for the security of Europe and beyond. As North Korea continues to bolster Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine, there is a heightened risk of increased military aggression and destabilization in both regions. There’s also the potential for sharing sensitive military technology that North Korea could leverage for its weapons of mass destruction programs.
Editor: Speaking of sensitive technology, the discussions highlighted concerns about Russia potentially providing such technology to North Korea. How would that affect the balance of power in the region?
Expert: If Russia were to supply North Korea with advanced military technology, it could lead to a significant shift in the regional balance of power. North Korea could enhance its ballistic missile capabilities, making it even more of a threat to its neighbors, especially South Korea and Japan. Moreover, such an action would undermine international efforts to curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and destabilize existing non-proliferation frameworks.
Editor: The two countries also initiated the ‘Indo-Pacific Dialogue’. Can you elaborate on what this might entail and its significance?
Expert: The Indo-Pacific Dialogue represents a proactive approach by South Korea and Canada to address security and economic challenges in the region. It signifies a commitment to collaboration on various fronts, from humanitarian assistance to defense strategies against threats posed by North Korea’s nuclear programs. This dialogue can help solidify relationships with other allies in the Indo-Pacific, creating a more robust coalition to counter emerging threats.
Editor: The joint statement from South Korea and Canada also emphasized the importance of human rights in North Korea. How does the human rights situation intersect with international peace and security, as they suggested?
Expert: Human rights issues in North Korea are deeply intertwined with broader security concerns. A state that disregards the basic rights of its populace is often more likely to engage in aggressive foreign policies and military provocations. Advocating for human rights can serve not only to pressure the North Korean regime but also to foster internal change that may lead to more stable governance and, ultimately, a more peaceful regional environment.
Editor: Lastly, with North Korea’s ongoing missile provocations, what can the international community do to effectively respond to these threats?
Expert: The international community must respond robustly to deter further provocations. This includes strengthening sanctions, increasing military readiness among allies, and enhancing intelligence-sharing to monitor North Korea’s activities. Additionally, diplomacy should not be entirely off the table; an open channel for dialogue may be necessary to prevent miscalculations. It’s crucial for the global community to present a united front in these times of uncertainty.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights. The situation is indeed complex but understanding these nuances is vital for navigating the challenges ahead.
Expert: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to analyze and discuss these geopolitical dynamics as they unfold.