Foreign Minister Park Jin Holds Talks with Canada and Mexico, Explores Cooperation in Indo Pacific Strategies
Foreign Minister Park Jin of South Korea recently engaged in productive discussions with his counterparts from Canada and Mexico during the summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. These talks aim to explore potential cooperation in Indo Pacific strategies, strengthen bilateral relations, and foster economic partnerships.
Minister Park met with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly in San Francisco on the sidelines of the APEC summit. Building upon the previous summit talks between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both ministers discussed follow-up steps to enhance bilateral ties. A significant topic of conversation revolved around Indo Pacific strategies, with both parties expressing a commitment to continue collaborating on issues related to the region.
In another significant meeting, Minister Park sat down with his Mexican counterpart, Alicia Barcena Ibarra, to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation. Recognizing the increasing depth of trade relations with Mexico, Minister Park sought the Mexican government’s support in expediting negotiations to resume the bilateral free trade talks that have been stalled since 2008. Furthermore, Minister Park highlighted South Korea’s aspiration to become an associate member state of the Pacific Alliance, a vital regional economic bloc representing a significant portion of trade volume in Latin America.
In addition to diplomatic engagements, Minister Park met with prominent business and opinion leaders during his visit to San Francisco. Notably, he held separate discussions with Nick Clegg, President of Global Affairs at Meta Platforms Inc., and Will Marshall, the CEO of Planet Labs. These meetings focused on crucial topics such as global governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and cooperation in the space economy. Minister Park and the business leaders exchanged ideas and insights to promote mutual understanding and collaboration in these cutting-edge fields.
On a different note, Minister Park also engaged in a fruitful conversation with Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group, a renowned political risk research and consulting firm. The discussion encompassed various subjects, including the South Korea-U.S. alliance, economic security, and global issues of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Park Jin’s meetings with his Canadian and Mexican counterparts, accompanied by interactions with key business and opinion leaders, illustrate South Korea’s commitment to fostering international partnerships. These efforts aim to strengthen diplomatic relations, promote economic cooperation, and explore strategies for the Indo Pacific region. With discussions revolving around important areas such as trade, artificial intelligence, and space economy, South Korea continues to engage in global initiatives, presenting opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.
