Issue joint statement following the Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2).

Agree to begin negotiations on a Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Explore cooperation in space and artificial intelligence.

Commit to further developing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, left, speaks at a joint press conference following the second South Korea-Canada Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2) in Ottawa, Canada, on Feb. 25, 2026, local time.

South Korea and Canada have signed the "Agreement on the Protection of Military and Defense Classified Information." The two governments have also initiated measures to commence negotiations on a Defense Cooperation Agreement. Korea and Canada have agreed to deepen cooperation in the space and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. Amid deepening geopolitical instability, the foreign and defense ministers of Korea and Canada shared a common understanding on the critical need for enhanced diplomatic and security cooperation between middle powers and agreed to develop and deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

On February 25 (local time), South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with Canadian National Defense Minister David McGuinty and Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Ottawa, Canada, to hold the second South Korea-Canada Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2), during which they adopted a joint statement.

The ministers exchanged views on the evolving geopolitical and international circumstances, as well as opportunities for enhanced global strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and the Arctic.

Their 2+2 talks also focused on strengthening defense and defense industry cooperation. The ministers from both countries sought to establish an institutional foundation to develop strategic cooperation in a stable and mutually beneficial manner, and thus concluded the "Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Republic of Korea on the Exchange and Protection of Classified Military Information." They also agreed to negotiate for the conclusion of a Defense Cooperation Agreement.

The classified information protection agreement specifies procedures to protect military and defense classified information exchanged with the partner country at the same level as that of its own. Once the agreement is concluded, private companies from both countries can participate in government procurement bidding involving the exchange of classified information.

At the opening of the meeting, Minister Ahn stated, "Launching negotiations on a Defense Cooperation Agreement will mark an important milestone for expanding military cooperation through increased combined training exercises and streamlined mutual visit procedures. The Agreement on the Protection of Military and Defense Classified Information is expected to enhance operational cooperation effectiveness by establishing an institutional framework for confidential information sharing and lay the foundation for expanding defense industry cooperation."

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun conducted sales diplomacy to secure orders for the Canadian submarine project. The two ministers highlighted the superior performance and competitive advantages of Korean submarines while emphasizing that defense industry cooperation with Korea aligns with Canada's recently unveiled New Defense Industrial Strategy, significantly contributing to Canada's efforts to revitalize its domestic defense industry and create jobs. Furthermore, they stated that beyond the submarine project, Korea will pursue mutually beneficial defense and defense industry cooperation that reciprocates Canada's contributions to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The two countries also discussed non-conventional and emerging security challenges, including space and advanced technologies. Amid the growing impact of space on security issues, the ministers agreed to pursue concrete cooperation by launching the South Korea-Canada Space Security Dialogue as part of their security and defense cooperation partnership, thereby expanding space collaboration and enhancing space security. Given the rising significance of addressing transnational cyber threats, both sides pledged to pursue mutually complementary cooperation in the AI sector, leveraging each nation's respective strengths.

The ministers of both countries shared the understanding that peace and stability in the international community are paramount and agreed on the need for cooperation to prevent tension escalation in various regions.

South Korea's ministers outlined ongoing efforts to ease tensions and establish peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, with the goal of achieving complete denuclearization through the suspension, reduction, and elimination of North Korea's nuclear capabilities. Canada commended the South Korean government's efforts to ease tensions between the two Koreas and pursue peace, pledging to maintain close communication.

Both sides agreed to strengthen strategic communication in the Indo-Pacific region and closely cooperate on regional maritime security, safety, and marine resources preservation.

This meeting was held four months after the South Korea-Canada Summit, which took place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju in October 2025.

By Byeong-No, Yun <[email protected] >

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