Seoul: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Kang Dong-gil will embark on a trip to Canada this week to attend a major security forum and help promote arms exports, officials said Wednesday. During his trip scheduled for Nov. 20-24, Kang will attend the Halifax International Security Forum, the largest security gathering in the region, to meet with key Canadian officials, the Navy said. Kang is also expected to pay a visit to the Canadian navy's Maritime Forces Atlantic and review their warships.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the trip comes as South Korea and Canada seek to deepen their strategic partnership in defense and security. South Korean defense firm Hanwha Ocean Co. has been shortlisted as one of the final two contenders in a Canadian submarine acquisition program and is in a race to win over the contract.