CANADA AND KOREA REACH NEW BILATERAL AGREEMENTS

January 13, 1997 No. 6

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."

A backgrounder which describes the new agreements signed in Korea is attached.

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This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:

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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.