Stronger communifcation and cooperation efforts between South Korea and Canada to address “North Korean human rights issues,” including the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors

Minister Kim Yung Ho meets with Canadian Ambassador to South Korea Tamara Mawhinney (November 13)

On November 13, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho met with Tamara Mawhinney, Canadian Ambassador to South Korea, and exchanged views on the state of the Korean Peninsula, North Korea policies, and North Korean human rights.

Minister Kim expressed gratitude for Canada’s significant contributions to the “defense of freedom and peace on the Korean Peninsula” as a participating country in the Korean War and a part of the UN forces. Moreover, the minister asked for the Canadian government’s support and cooperation regarding the issues of the denuclearization of North Korea, North Korean human rights, and the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors.

In response, Ambassador Mawhinney explained that Canada is actively working to improve human rights in North Korea at the embassy level, and expressed her hope for closer cooperation with the South Korean government.

In addition, both sides agreed that their relationship is developing further as a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate more closely.