Lee Jae-myung Holds Phone Call With Canadian PM Mark Carney

President Lee Jae Myung held a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 8, 2026, and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation including efforts to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders reached a common understanding that South Korea and Canada need to cooperate more closely in international efforts to peacefully resolve the Middle East situation, secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and ensure stable energy supplies, Kang Yu-jung, presidential spokesperson, said.

Lee referred to Canada as a key like-minded country for South Korea during the call.

Lee expressed hope for stronger cooperation between the two countries across various sectors amid a complex global order and instability in global energy supplies. Carney stressed the need to strengthen solidarity among middle-power countries such as South Korea and Canada through a practical approach, according to Kang.

Lee and Carney also agreed to further deepen their strategic cooperation, building on bilateral relations that extend beyond security to the economy, energy, advanced industries and culture.

The call occurred on Friday. The two leaders last met in person when they shook hands during a summit meeting in the southeastern city of Gyeongju on Oct. 30, 2025. A file photo of that handshake was released with Yonhap's report of Friday's telephone conversation.

Yonhap reported that the conversation reflected shared concerns over disruptions that could affect global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for oil tankers. The leaders' emphasis on practical cooperation among middle powers came as both nations navigate supply chain pressures and regional tensions in the Middle East.

Kang Yu-jung said the call underscored the breadth of the relationship, with discussions touching not only immediate security questions but longer-term collaboration in advanced industries and cultural exchanges.

The spokesperson's account presented the exchange as forward-looking and rooted in established partnership rather than any new crisis.