President Moon Jae-in spoke on the phone with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the first time since he took office. Their telephone conversation started at nine this morning and lasted for approximately 20 minutes.

The two leaders discussed issues of mutual concern, including the direction for development in Korea-Canada relations and the North Korean nuclear issue.

President Moon noted his understanding that Prime Minister Trudeau has been actively implementing policies to increase support for middle-class families and build an honest and open government since he took office in 2015 under the motto of “Real Change.” The President went on to say that he also promised the public a complete change toward a new Republic of Korea during his presidential campaign. He added that it is in this context that he largely shares a common governing philosophy with Prime Minister Trudeau.

President Moon noted that Canada was recently assessed as an exemplary country for its human rights and liberalism by championing free trade and carrying out policies actively accepting immigrants and refugees. He expressed the hope that the two countries would share these values and further develop their bilateral ties.

During the course of their conversation, the two leaders agreed to pursue vibrant exchanges in joint research projects and of researchers in the fields of science and technology by promptly bringing into force a science, technology and innovation agreement signed in December last year.

Speaking of North Korea’s missile launch on May 14, President Moon said he intends to pursue the denuclearization of North Korea in a bold and fundamental manner by utilizing all possible means such as sanctions and dialogue so that the North completely dismantles its nuclear program. The President expressed gratitude that Canada always supported South Korea’s position on the North Korean nuclear issue and asked for continuous and proactive support until the nuclear issue can be fully resolved.

In response, Prime Minister Trudeau said that he will become a reliable friend of President Moon and Korea, and is ready to assist on the international stage when necessary. The Prime Minister also said, as Canada has a positive relationship with China and the United States, he intends to offer assistance at any time for the peaceful future of everyone living on the Korean Peninsula.

President Moon invited Prime Minister Trudeau to visit Korea, saying it would improve the relationship of the two countries and greatly boost the morale of the Canadian national team if the Prime Minister were to visit Korea during the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games next year.

Expressing gratitude at the invitation, the Prime Minister laughingly said that he was not sure whether it would be desirable for him to boost the Canadian team’s morale because other countries also needed to win medals.

Having invited each other, the two leaders said they were looking forward to meeting in person at the G20 Summit scheduled in Hamburg, Germany, in early July.