Ottawa: The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), South Korea's state arms procurement agency, announced a new agreement to enhance defense and arms industry cooperation with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI). The agreement aims to expand collaboration and policy research on security issues, including North Korea's nuclear threats and supply chain diversification.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the agreement was signed during DAPA Minister Seok Jong-gun's recent two-day visit to Canada. The Canadian Global Affairs Institute, established in 2001, is a prominent think tank specializing in defense and security, offering policy consultation to the Canadian government.

Minister Seok's visit also involved discussions with key Canadian defense and industry officials, such as Siobahn Harty and Vice Adm. Angus Topshee. Seok was joined by representatives from major South Korean shipbuilders, Hanwha Ocean Co. and HD Hyundai Co., both of which are vying for Canada's next-generation submarine project.

During these meetings, Seok outlined South Korea's capabilities in submarine projects, shipbuilding, and other defense systems like the K9 self-propelled howitzer and T-50 training aircraft, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral defense relations.