▲ Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae (R) poses with Richard Arbeiter, assistant deputy minister for international security and political affairs at Canada's Global Affairs, during their meeting at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Jan. 21, 2026, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

S Korea-Canada-deputy FMs

Canada's senior diplomat notes strong confidence in S. Korean capabilities amid submarine bid

By Kim Seung-yeon

SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Yonhap) -- A senior Canadian diplomat said Wednesday his country has "strong confidence" in South Korea's defense industry capabilities, amid a bidding process under way for a submarine project involving a shortlisted Korean company.

Richard Arbeiter, assistant deputy minister for international security and political affairs at Canada's Global Affairs, made the remark during a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae, the foreign ministry said.

Arbeiter said Canada already has strong confidence in the capabilities of South Korean companies, with regard to Canada's next-generation submarine project, the ministry said.

Canada plans to acquire eight to 12 submarines as part of efforts to upgrade its submarine fleet, aiming to receive the first new vessel by no later than 2035.

South Korean defense company Hanwha Ocean Co. was shortlisted as one of the final two contenders for the project in last August, along with a German firm.

Arbeiter also expressed hope for greater cooperation with South Korea in the Indo-Pacific, saying that Canada is seeking to diversify its security and economic partnership to address various geopolitical challenges.

Chung, in turn, said South Korea is seeking to build a long-term and mutually beneficial security and defense cooperation with Canada, proposing holding a "two plus two" meeting of their foreign and defense ministers at an early date.

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