1. Foreign Minister John Baird of Canada, having issued a statement of condolence over the sinking of the passenger ship “Sewol” that occurred on April 16, called Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se on April 17 to offer deep consolation on behalf of the people and government of Canada. He also relayed the willingness of the Canadian government to extend support in this regard.

2. Minister Yun expressed his deep appreciation for the consolation from the people and government of Canada. He added that the government of the Republic of Korea, although deeply saddened over the tragic accident, will make its utmost efforts until all the survivors are rescued.

3. Meanwhile, the two Ministers noted with satisfaction that negotiations on an ROK-Canada FTA had been in effect concluded at the bilateral summit held in March, building momentum for rapid advances in bilateral ties.

4. The two Ministers agreed to make joint efforts, including holding a strategic dialogue between deputy-ministerial-level officials of the Foreign Ministries of the two countries at an early date, to step up comprehensive cooperation. They also agreed to hold high-level talks on various occasions, including the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Myanmar this August. 


                 Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation