(No. 165 - May 16, 2010 - 9:45 a.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, today announced that, at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK), Canada is sending three naval experts to South Korea.
These experts will join a multinational team currently conducting an investigation into the sinking of the ROK Ship Cheonan (PCC-772). On March 26, 2010, the ship sank in waters near the Northern Limit Line.
"Canada is strongly committed to the security and stability of the Korean Peninsula," said Minister Cannon. "Canada-Korea bilateral relations are firmly grounded in our history of strong political and economic partnership and cooperation. We are pleased to provide assistance to a key partner in the region."
"The Government of Canada is pleased to be providing support to this investigation," said Minister MacKay. "Our contribution of Canadian Forces expertise and experience to this multinational effort builds on the objective of the Canada First Defence Strategy to deliver excellence and project leadership abroad."
Canada has long enjoyed positive relations with the ROK. Both countries are hosting G20 summits this year.
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Ève Cardinal
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Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
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Jay Paxton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of National Defence
613-996-3100
Department of National Defence
Media Liaison Office
1-866-377-0811 or 613-996-2353
