Canada and the Republic of Korea share a remarkable history of cooperation built on the foundations of mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to fostering prosperity and peace. On November 30, this special relationship was highlighted in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea where South Korean legislators adopted a special resolution celebrating the sixtieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

Canada has long been a partner in the success that is today’s South Korea. From the herculean efforts of individual Canadians such as Dr. Frank Schofield — who stood with Koreans in their independence movement from Japanese colonialism in 1919 — and Dr. Oliver Avison — who spent over four decades spreading Western medical knowledge in Korea — to the sacrifices made by more than 26,000 Canadian heroes of the Korean War and the more than 7,000 who served in peacekeeping duties after the signing of the armistice.

One of the cornerstones of our bilateral relationship is economic collaboration. Both Canada and Korea are staunch advocates of free and fair trade, and our upgraded bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2022 stands as a testament to our commitment to creating a more open and interconnected global economy. This agreement has paved the way for increased trade and investment, benefiting businesses and consumers on both sides of the Pacific.

Our collaboration in the technological and innovative sectors is another shining example of the strength of our partnership. Through joint research initiatives, academic exchanges and collaboration between industries, Canada and South Korea are driving innovation and contributing to the advancement of technology on the world stage. This not only fosters economic growth but also strengthens the ties between our people.

Cultural exchanges played a crucial role in bringing our nations even closer together. The appreciation for each other’s rich cultural heritage has led to numerous cultural events, exchanges and partnerships. From film festivals to art exhibitions, these initiatives deepen our understanding of one another, fostering a sense of friendship and camaraderie. This shared commitment will be further explored from 2024 to 2025 as the ROK-Canada Year of Cultural Exchanges.

As we reflect on the achievements of our sixtieth anniversary of bilateral relations, it is crucial to acknowledge the role that people-to-people ties have played in strengthening our bond. The vibrant national Korean-Canadian community across Canada and the warm welcome extended to Canadians in South Korea exemplify the enduring friendship between our nations.

On behalf of the Canada-Korea Interparliamentary Friendship Group and as co-chair in the Senate, I express sincere thanks to the members of Korea’s National Assembly for the adoption of the special resolution to conclude the special milestone year.