Ottawa – 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 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.
“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