Vietnam, Canada elevate ties to comprehensive partnership

Vietnam and Canada have agreed to establish the comprehensive partnership and boost cooperation in regional and international forums.

The two Prime Minister agreed to establish the comprehensive partnership and boost cooperation in regional and international forums

During talks on Wednesday in Hanoi between Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is on an official visit to Vietnam and this week, both agreed to implement cooperative programs within their comprehensive partnership. Prime Minister Phuc asked for more ODA from Canada and its early recognition of Vietnam’s market economic status and market access for Vietnamese goods. Prime Minister Trudeau said Canada wants to boost long-term friendly relations with Vietnam and pledged support for Vietnam’s battle with climate change and sustainable growth towards the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The two leaders concurred to continue working closely together at regional and global forums such as the UN, APEC, Francophonie, as well as issues of shared concern.

Both voiced their support for ensured maritime and aviation security, safety and freedom in the East Sea, the peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea, full respect for diplomatic and legal processes, and international law, as well as promotion of ocean use for peaceful purposes, environmental and marine ecological protection.

Canada – Vietnam relations

Canada established diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1973, opening an Embassy in Hanoi in 1994 and a Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City in 1997. Canada was a member of the International Commission of Control (later named the International Commission for Supervision and Control) for almost 20 years, after the cessation of Vietnam’s hostilities with France in 1954.

Canada and Vietnam maintain good bilateral relations. In 2013, Canada and Vietnam celebrated the 40th anniversary of their bilateral relations and many activities took place to commemorate this important year. There is an active 220,000+ strong Vietnamese-Canadian community in Canada.

Canada’s relations with Vietnam are expanding, particularly through rapidly-increasing trade and investment and a prominent development assistance presence. Canada’s relations with Vietnam are expanding, particularly through rapidly-increasing trade and investment and a prominent development assistance presence. Vietnam is confirmed as one of Canada’s 25 countries of focus.

Canada and Vietnam share membership in multiple multilateral forums, including ASEAN, in which Canada is a Dialogue Partner; Vietnam was Canada’s Coordinating Country for 2006-09. Canada and Vietnam are also members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Francophonie and the United Nations./.

VNF