Published on 17 April 2026 in Client Alerts

Canada and South Korea Sign Defence Agreement 

On 25 February 2026, Canada and the Republic of Korea signed a new defence agreement in Ottawa during a Canada–Republic of Korea Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting.  The agreement establishes a framework for the exchange and protection of classified military and defence information, following negotiations concluded in October 2025.

The agreement forms part of broader efforts by both governments to enhance cooperation on defence procurement, industrial security, and research collaboration.  The two countries also agreed to begin negotiations on a broader Defence Cooperation Agreement that would provide a legal foundation for military-to‑military cooperation.  In addition, they plan to update their strategic partnership to better reflect current geopolitical developments.

Other Treaties Signed Since the Start of 2026

• Canada–India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement – concluded in 2026, establishing a framework for cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• China–Kenya Early Harvest Trade Arrangement – concluded January 2026.
• China–United Kingdom Economic and Trade Cooperation MOUs (under the China–UK JETCO Framework) – signed 29 January 2026.
• EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement and Interim Trade Agreement (including Brazil and Argentina) establishing a free‑trade area covering more than 700 million people – signed 17 January 2026.
• France–Bahrain Defence Cooperation Agreement – signed February 2026, strengthening bilateral defence and security cooperation.
• India–Brazil Mining and Critical Minerals Cooperation Agreement – signed 21 February 2026.
• Indonesia–Australia Security Cooperation Treaty – signed February 2026, providing for consultation and cooperation in the event either state faces a security threat.
• Saudi Arabia–Nepal Labour Cooperation Agreement – signed 29 January 2026.
• Türkiye–Nigeria Package of Bilateral Cooperation Agreements (including defence and energy cooperation instruments) – signed 27 January 2026.
• United Kingdom–European Union Gibraltar Treaty – finalised March 2026, establishing a framework governing border management, mobility, and customs arrangements concerning Gibraltar.
• United Kingdom–Italy Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons – presented to Parliament in March 2026, establishing a framework allowing prisoners to serve sentences in their home country.
• United Kingdom–North Macedonia Decision No.1/2026 of the Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Council – adopted 26 January 2026 under the UK–North Macedonia Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
• United Kingdom–Romania Double Taxation Agreement – entered into force in Romania on 1 January 2026 to prevent double taxation and facilitate cross-border investment.
• United States–Democratic Republic of the Congo Strategic Partnership Agreement – signed February 2026, establishing a framework for cooperation on critical minerals supply chains.
• United States–Hungary Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (Intergovernmental Agreement) – signed 16 February 2026.

“[Volterra Fietta’s] lawyers are expert treaty drafters.  Their support was invaluable during our negotiations last year with [another State].”

For further information, please contact info@volterrafietta.com.