Newsnomics AJAY ANGELINA reporter |

“Canadians were moved by Korea’s dispatch of the KDRT (the Korea Disaster Relief Team) at a time when Canada was facing difficulties due to its worst-ever wildfires”, said Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister in his surprise visit to the KDRT aboard a Korean transport aircraft and extended appreciation to Korea, also exchanged farewells with the members of the KDRT.

On July 2, Korea’s Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) was dispatched to Canada for supporting the suppression of wildfires in Canada, who performed their firefighting operations there for the duration of one month and arrived back to Korea on August 2, 2023.
 
Before heading to an airport on August 1, the KDRT visited the National War Memorial in Ottawa, laid a wreath and had a moment of silence, taking the opportunity to pay tribute to Canada for its noble sacrifice and dedication demonstrated through the dispatch of troops to fight alongside Korea during the Korean War. 

Joya Donnelly, the Director General for North-East Asia at Global Affairs Canada expressed his gratitude to Korea at the event saying, “the Canada helped Korea at its difficult time by dispatching troops, Korea helped Canada at its difficult time by dispatching the KDRT at this time.”
 
KDRT, together with the United States team carried out firefighting operations for 12 hours a day at wildfire sites in Lebel-sur-Quevillon in Quebec from July 4 to 30.
 
The Canadian government, local media outlets and residents of the country highly appreciated the KDRT’s operations and conveyed appreciation, as South Korea is the first Asian country to send a relief team to Canada said the ministry of foreign affairs, South Korea.

The dispatch of the KDRT to Canada served as an opportunity to promote friendly awareness of Korea even in parts of Canada that had rarely engaged in exchanges with Korea.
 
Korea and Canada mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year, are longstanding friends and “comprehensive strategic partners” that share core values, such as liberal democracy and market economy. Building upon Canada’s crucial support during the Korean War, the Korea-Canada bilateral relationship has reached new heights, evident through the KDRT deployment, cementing their enduring collaboration.

In addition, Korea and Canada broadened the base for cooperation not only in putting out wildfires but also in a range of climate change-related issues.
 
Korea, the U.S. and Canada built a model practice of trilateral disaster response in the year marking the 70th anniversary of Korea-U.S. alliance and the 60th anniversary of Korea-Canada diplomatic ties through the KDRT’s firefighting operations with the U.S. team in Canada.

Bea Day, head of the U.S. team, presented a certificate of appreciation to the KDRT, thanking for its dedication and assistance.
 
This is KDRT’s second dispatch of this year following the one to Türkiye in February over its earthquake, marks the tenth case of dispatch since the enactment of the Overseas Emergency Relief Act in 2007 and the first overseas dispatch for wildfire suppression.
 
South Korean Foreign ministry said, “the Korean government will contribute actively to disaster relief efforts overseas in a way that is commensurate to its pursuit to become a global pivotal state and to its standing as one of the world’s eight powers.” 

Furthermore, The Korean government will continue to double its efforts to meet the growing demand for international cooperation over the Ukrainian war and the increasing damage from wildfires, desertification, extreme heat waves and heavy rains caused by climate change, and will contribute to fulfilling humanitarian values. the Ministry added.