Vietnam and Canada hold political consultation in Hanoi

At the meeting, the two sides took note of the positive developments of Vietnam-Canada cooperative relations in recent times in many fields, especially in politics - diplomacy, economy-trade, development cooperation, security - defense, education and training.

Ngoc affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to the comprehensive partnership with Canada, and it vows to further promote this relationship to new heights. He emphasized that the high-ranking leaders of the two countries have maintained regular contacts on the sidelines of regional and international conferences in the past year, helping to increase political trust and expand cooperation into new, potential fields.

Ngoc expressed his joy at the impressive growth of bilateral trade turnover, that hit more than US$7 billion last year, an increase of 16.5% compared to 2021. He at the same time asked Canada to increase investment in Vietnam.

He on this occasion thanked the Canadian Government for granting more than US$1.76 billion in official development aid to Vietnam from 1990 to present.

Morrison for his part affirmed that Vietnam is a leading important partner in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. He noted that Canada wants to diversify and expand trade relations with Vietnam, especially in connecting businesses, supporting the export of Vietnamese agricultural products, and stepping up poverty reduction.

Canada wants to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam within the framework of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), he assured his host.

The Deputy Minister underscored the importance of Vietnam as an important bridge to strengthen cooperation with the region, and asked the Southeast Asian country to support Canada in fostering the strategic partnership between Canada and ASEAN.

The two sides agreed to further increase the exchange of delegations at all levels and promote cooperation in economy – trade - investment, security - defense, development cooperation, education - training, health, while expanding cooperation in the fields of climate change response, energy transition, clean technology, as well as local cooperation.

They vowed to bring into full play existing cooperation mechanisms between Vietnam and Canada, including the political consultation at the deputy foreign minister level, the joint economic committee, and the defense policy dialogue.

During the consultation, the two sides also discussed regional and international situations of mutual concern. They affirmed that they would continue to coordinate closely at international and regional forums such as the UN, APEC, ASEAN, CPTPP, and Francophonie.