On November 1, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded his first official visit to the Republic of Korea. He attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju and met with leaders and investors to strengthen Canada’s trade, defence, and energy partnerships. The Prime Minister also announced that Canada has offered to host APEC in 2029.
Prime Minister Carney and Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced the new Canada-Republic of Korea Security and Defence Cooperation Partnership. They also announced the conclusion of negotiations on the General Security of Information Agreement, enabling more effective collaboration on information sharing, procurement, industrial security, and research. Prime Minister Carney also announced a Team Canada Trade Mission to Korea in 2026.
In Gyeongju, the Prime Minister met with the leaders of China, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand. Along with Prime Minister Charnvirakul, Prime Minister Carney announced the initiation of free trade negotiations between Canada and Thailand – a major step toward unlocking new opportunities for Canadian exporters.
The Prime Minister joined the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping, for their first official meeting, with the two leaders agreeing to renew the Canada-China relationship in a pragmatic and constructive way. To that end, the leaders directed their officials to quickly resolve outstanding trade issues and discussed solutions to respective sensitivities regarding agriculture and agri-food products, such as canola, as well as seafood and electric vehicles. They also discussed pathways for deeper cooperation in clean and conventional energy, agriculture, manufacturing, climate change, and international finance. President Xi invited Prime Minister Carney to visit China at a mutually convenient time to continue advancing progress on these priorities.
Following Prime Minister Carney’s engagements in Malaysia and Singapore, this visit concludes his first official trip to the Indo-Pacific region. In a world of rapid change, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control. We are growing a stronger economy – one that is built on the solid foundation of thriving Canadian workers, strong Canadian industries, and bolstered by diverse international partners.