Prime Minister Stephen Harper highlights Canada’s deep friendship and partnership with Korea

December 07, 2009

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today became the first Canadian Prime Minister to speak before the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (South Korea).  In his address, he emphasized Canada’s commitment to strengthening strong relations between the two countries and to working closely together on global economic recovery as Canada and South Korea each host a G-20 Summit in 2010.
 
“I have great confidence that 2010 is going to be the year that Canada and Korea achieve unprecedented levels of cooperation and friendship,” said the Prime Minister.  “There is already a deep friendship between both countries rooted in shared experiences and our common commitment to freedom, democracy and trade.”
 
The Prime Minister noted that as hosts of next year’s two G-20 Summits, it is critical for Canada and South Korea to work together to focus attention on the global economy and ensure a balanced and sustainable recovery.  “Environmental threats, developmental challenges and security issues facing the world will be exponentially more difficult to solve without the wealth that comes from growth.”
 
In his address, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to the almost 27,000 Canadian soldiers, including the 516 who paid the ultimate sacrifice, who fought alongside the people of South Korea to keep that country free.  “Canadian blood was spilled on this soil,” said the Prime Minister. “Almost sixty years later, Canada and South Korea remain staunch defenders of freedom and democracy.”
 
South Korea is Canada’s seventh largest trading partner.  Important people-to-people ties contribute enormously to the bilateral friendship.  There are more than 146,000 Canadians of Korean descent calling Canada home along with 30,000 Koreans pursuing full-time studies in Canada and more than 10,000 Canadians living in South Korea.