South Korea and Canada Set for 2+2 Talks in Ottawa, Submarine Bid Looms
Updated (3 articles)
Wednesday Ottawa Meeting Brings Top Ministers Together The two‑plus‑two dialogue is slated for Wednesday, 21 February 2026, in Ottawa. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Defence Minister Ahn Gyu‑back will meet Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Defence Minister David McGuinty, as announced by Seoul’s foreign ministry on 20 February 2026[1][2]. The gathering follows a pattern of high‑level exchanges aimed at deepening bilateral security cooperation.
Separate Bilateral Sessions Accompany Main 2+2 Dialogue Each minister will hold individual bilateral talks on the margins of the main conference, allowing focused discussion on diplomatic and defence issues respectively[1]. After the joint session, the parties will sign a military and defence intelligence‑sharing agreement and hold a press conference to brief the media[1][2]. These steps underscore a commitment to coordinated intelligence efforts.
Previous 2+2 Dialogue Established in November 2024 The last two‑plus‑two meeting between South Korea and Canada took place in Ottawa in November 2024, setting a recent precedent for continued engagement[1][2]. Both ministries view the recurring format as a cornerstone for advancing strategic ties. The upcoming talks are positioned as the next chapter in this bilateral rhythm.
South Korea Pursues $41 Billion Canadian Submarine Deal South Korea is simultaneously lobbying for a major submarine procurement contract valued at roughly 60 trillion won (US$41 billion) to supply up to twelve 3,000‑ton class submarines to Canada[1]. The proposal deadline is early March 2026, adding urgency to the Ottawa negotiations[1]. Securing the contract would significantly boost South Korea’s defence industry and deepen the defence partnership.
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: South Korea, Canada to Hold 2+2 Foreign and Defense Talks in Ottawa: outlines the Wednesday meeting, ministerial participants, separate bilateral sessions, intelligence‑sharing pact, and emphasizes the $41 billion submarine bid deadline pressure.
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2.
Yonhap: South Korea and Canada to Hold Two‑plus‑Two Foreign and Defense Talks in Ottawa: confirms the schedule, participants, and prior 2024 talks, focusing on official venue and agenda without the submarine contract detail.
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Timeline
Nov 2024 – South Korea and Canada hold their previous two‑plus‑two foreign and defence dialogue in Ottawa, establishing a recent precedent for high‑level security cooperation and setting the stage for future meetings. [1][2]
Oct 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney negotiate a military intelligence‑sharing agreement on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Gyeongju, laying the groundwork for a formal pact and broader defence‑industry collaboration. [3]
Jan 27, 2026 – The South Korean Cabinet formally approves the military intelligence‑sharing pact with Canada, creating a legal framework for streamlined classified data exchange and signalling high‑level political backing for deeper security ties. [3]
Feb 20, 2026 – South Korea’s foreign ministry announces that foreign minister Cho Hyun and defence minister Ahn Gyu‑back will meet Canadian counterparts Anita Anand and David McGuinty in Ottawa on Wednesday, with separate bilateral sessions and a post‑talk signing of the intelligence‑sharing agreement. [1][2]
Feb 26, 2026 – The two‑plus‑two talks occur in Ottawa; Cho Hyun and Ahn Gyu‑back hold joint and individual meetings with Anand and McGuinty, sign the military intelligence‑sharing pact, and hold a press conference, while South Korea pushes its $41 billion submarine bid for Canada’s upcoming procurement. [1][2]
Early Mar 2026 – Canada’s deadline for the submarine procurement proposal arrives, pressuring South Korea’s consortium led by Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to finalize its bid for up to twelve 3,000‑ton submarines. [1]