NEWS RELEASES
CANADA AND KOREA REACH NEW BILATERAL AGREEMENTS
January 13, 1997 No. 6
CANADA AND KOREA REACH NEW BILATERAL AGREEMENTS
In Seoul today with the Team Canada 1997 trade mission to Korea, Minister for
International Trade Art Eggleton and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond
Chan signed three new agreements to co-operate on climate change, exchange
information on development co-operation and extend the youth holiday exchange
program.
"The Team Canada 1997 mission has provided an unprecedented boost to our trade
relationship with Korea, as well as the level of co-operation between our
nations," said Mr. Eggleton. "As strong partners and middle powers in a global
economy, there is much we can do together on the environment, development and
other important issues to the benefit of our citizens and people around the
world."
In addition to today's signings, an existing agreement on co-operation on
agriculture and agri-food was extended for one year and Mr. Chan witnessed the
signing of an agreement twinning two marine parks, namely Canada's Pacific Rim
National Park Reserve and Korea's Hallyeo-Haesang Sea National Park. The twinning
follows Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's January 10 announcement that Radar Hill, in
the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, is being renamed "Kap'yong Hill," in memory
of Canada's contribution to the United Nations intervention force to Korea (1950-1953).
"This visit has provided a memorable occasion at the start of this special year,
Canada's Year of Asia Pacific, to recognize Canada's longstanding involvement and
contribution to peace, stability and prosperity in the region," said Mr. Chan.
"Canadians can take pride in our Pacific heritage and the role we will continue to
play by developing even stronger ties with our valued partners such as Korea."
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A backgrounder which describes the new agreements signed in Korea is attached.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Backgrounder
NEW AGREEMENTS BETWEEN CANADA AND KOREA
Letter of Intent on Co-operation on Climate Change
The Governments of Canada and Korea have agreed to co-operate on climate change
and joint implementation initiatives to help limit greenhouse gas emissions. The
statement calls for joint co-operation on increased energy efficiency and the
expanded use of and development of alternative transportation fuels and renewable
energy options. The two governments will seek the involvement of public, private
and non-governmental sectors, enhanced trade and technology, as well as research
and technology information exchanges on energy efficiency and renewable energy
alternatives.
Letter of Intent on Training between CIDA and KOICA
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Korea International
Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have agreed to exchange information on their respective
development assistance programs. Under this arrangement, KOICA will have access
to in-house training and professional development specialists through CIDA. In
addition, development specialists from CIDA will share experiences with KOICA on
specific projects through conferences, workshops and seminars.
Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding
on Working Holiday Programs
This agreement extends indefinitely the Canada-Korea Working Holiday Program
enabling young Canadians and Koreans, aged 18 to 30 years, to tour and live in
each other's country for up to one year, and accept occasional employment. This
program was first established in 1995 during President Kim Young-sam's visit to
Canada.
Marine Parks Twinning Protocol
Canadian Heritage (Parks Canada) and the Korean National Park Authority have
reached an agreement that twins two marine parks, namely Canada's Pacific Rim
National Park Reserve, British Columbia, and Korea's Hallyeo Haesang Sea National
Park. The Canadian park was opened by Prime Minister Chrétien and the Korean park
encompasses Koje-do island, birthplace of President Kim Young-sam. This agreement
will facilitate co-operation on park management issues and scientific activities
related to environmental protection. The arrangement follows on the 1995 twinning
of two terrestrial parks, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park, also in
British Columbia, and Chirisan National Park in Korea.
Arrangement Pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation on
Agriculture and Agri-food Industry
This agreement, which has been instrumental in initiating co-operation and
increased commercial and technical exchanges between a variety of Canadian and
Korean organizations in the agriculture and food sector, has been extended for one
year.
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