Overview
- South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke by phone Friday, agreeing to help secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and to support stable energy supplies.
- Carney urged practical solidarity among middle‑power countries such as South Korea and Canada.
- Lee said he seeks broader cooperation that spans security, the economy, energy, critical minerals, advanced industries, and culture.
- The call came as Canada prepares to name a preferred bidder in June for its next‑generation submarine program, with a South Korean consortium competing against Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
- Recent groundwork included Industry Minister Kim Jung‑kwan’s trip to Ottawa to advance long‑term industrial ties involving Hyundai and meetings with Canadian ministers and lawmakers.