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| ▲ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers a speech at the National Assembly in Seoul on May 17, 2023. |
Canadian PM-parliamentary speech
Trudeau says Canada ready work with S. Korea on critical minerals, N. Korea
By Kim Han-joo and Kang Jae-eun
SEOUL, May 17 (Yonhap) -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday his country is ready to seek close partnership with South Korea in critical minerals, clean energy and other areas.
Trudeau also said in an address to the National Assembly that Canada will work with South Korea for North Korea's denuclearization and to improve the human rights situation in the communist nation.
"Canada is ready to strengthen our partnership with friends like Korea on everything from critical minerals to high-tech innovation to clean energy solutions," Trudeau said, adding that these issues will be at the core of a summit with President Yoon Suk Yeol scheduled for later in the day.
Trudeau arrived in Seoul on Tuesday, becoming the first Canadian leader to visit South Korea in nine years. The visit came as the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
His speech also marked the first time that a foreign leader has addressed the National Assembly since U.S. President Donald Trump's speech in 2017.
Trudeau said stability in the Indo-Pacific and the North Pacific is essential to global security, and urged North Korea to return to dialogue and diplomacy.
"Canada is committed to increasing not just our trade, but also our military engagement as a means of mitigating threats to regional security," he said.
Trudeau also expressed Canada's dedication to increasing cooperation with South Korea in addressing the human rights situation in North Korea.
Trudeau's address received multiple rounds of applause from South Korean lawmakers and Canadian officials.
"In the spirit of 'hwangab,' let us renew our shared commitment and initiate a new cycle of peace, prosperity and sustainability," he said, referencing a Korean word used to celebrate a person's 60th birthday.
Prior to his speech, Trudeau held a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, which was also attended by leaders of rival parties.
Following the summit with President Yoon, a joint press conference and an official dinner will take place. Trudeau is scheduled to depart for the G-7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on Thursday.
Trudeau says Canada ready to work with S.Korea on critical minerals, N. Korea[https://youtu.be/Uh6-DcBqHIg]
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