Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is scheduled to travel to South Korea on Tuesday for a meeting with President Yoon Suk Yeol, focusing on security issues and the importance of critical minerals used in batteries.
On Wednesday, Yoon and Trudeau will hold a joint press conference followed by a formal dinner, as confirmed by Yoon’s deputy national security advisor, Kim Tae-hyo.
Trudeau’s visit, the first by a Canadian leader in nine years, is significant as it marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties. Both nations are expected to release a joint statement outlining their cooperative efforts for the next 60 years, according to Kim.
Discussions between the two countries have centered around expanding cooperation on crucial minerals utilized in electric vehicle batteries, as well as enhancing intelligence sharing.
“The two leaders will discuss intensively ways to build a norms-based global order including on North Korea’s human rights issues, launching a high-level economic and security dialogue, strengthening cooperation on key minerals,” Kim told reporters.
According to a South Korean government official who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity as the agreement was still being finalized, President Yoon and Prime Minister Trudeau are expected to sign a comprehensive agreement encompassing major mineral supply chains, renewable energy conversion, and energy security cooperation.
Canada to Increase EV Manufacturing
In light of Canada’s abundant mineral deposits, particularly lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are essential components for battery production in electric vehicles (EVs), the country has been actively pursuing efforts to expand its EV manufacturing capabilities.
The availability of these minerals has positioned Canada as a promising player in the global supply chain for electric vehicle batteries. With the aim of capitalizing on its resources, Canada has been working to attract investment and foster partnerships to support the growth of its EV manufacturing sector.
The government and industry stakeholders are recognizing the potential economic and environmental benefits of advancing EV manufacturing in Canada, driven by the country’s rich mineral resources.
During their September meeting, the two presidents expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation on mineral supply chains as part of their collective efforts to address climate change and reduce emissions.
Amidst the growing rivalry between the United States and China, both Canada and South Korea have been actively working to enhance their security cooperation, including intelligence sharing.
The diplomatic relations between Canada and China have been strained since the 2018 imprisonment of Huawei Technologies executive Meng Wanzhou, followed by the arrest of two Canadians on spying charges by Beijing. As a result, tensions have remained high between the two countries.
Recently, China retaliated against Canada’s expulsion of a Chinese ambassador in Toronto by expelling a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai, further escalating the strained relations.
While President Yoon Suk Yeol has maintained cautious diplomacy with China, considering it as a major trading partner for South Korea, he has been more vocal about tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Last month, there were exchanges of criticism between Seoul and Beijing following President Yoon’s remarks in an interview with Reuters.
