In his first phone talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the evening of July 21 (Hanoi time), Prime Minister Le Minh Hung emphasized that there remains significant room and potential for the two countries to expand and develop further their relationship more substantively and effectively, aiming to elevate ties in the near future.
The PM affirmed that Vietnam always considers Canada an important partner in its foreign policy. He noted that the effective implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has turned the two nations into key trade and investment partners, with two-way trade turnover doubling over the past five years.
Furthermore, cooperation in defense, security, development assistance, education and training, and people-to-people exchanges has been actively promoted by both sides, achieving positive progress.
In this spirit, the Government leader proposed that both sides coordinate closely to realize several specific priorities, such as increasing delegation exchanges across all levels and channels, with a focus on facilitating visits by high-ranking leaders.
He requested that Canada continue to open its market to Vietnamese goods, particularly agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. He also encouraged Canadian businesses to increase investment in key projects and sectors in Vietnam, including energy, the green economy, and the circular economy. Additionally, he suggested establishing bilateral cooperation mechanisms for law enforcement.
PM Hung also called for enhanced cooperation in high-quality human resource training in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and semiconductors, while maintaining close and effective coordination at multilateral forums.
For his part, PM Mark Carney affirmed that Vietnam is a key partner of Canada within ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized that the two nations share numerous common interests and a highly dynamic partnership rooted in political trust, expansive trade and investment, and deep people-to-people ties. He committed to working together to promote cooperation and maintain stability and prosperity amidst a rapidly changing and uncertain global environment.
Regarding bilateral ties, PM Carney agreed to work toward upgrading the relationship framework to a new level in the near future and requested that relevant agencies from both sides coordinate closely to prepare for this significant milestone.
He expressed his hope for close coordination to advance shared interests in areas such as sustainable and inclusive development, energy, aerospace, agriculture, food safety, science and technology, and high-quality human resource training.
He also proposed exploring the establishment of direct flights between the two countries and encouraged increasing people-to-people exchanges to build a solid social foundation for the growth of bilateral relations.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen coordination in addressing regional and international challenges. They reaffirmed their support for ASEAN’s centrality as well as the positions of both ASEAN and Vietnam regarding the peaceful resolution of sovereignty disputes in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).
PM Carney thanked Vietnam for its support during the negotiations for the Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. He highlighted Vietnam’s vital role as a bridge in its capacity as the Chair of the CPTPP in 2026 and expressed a desire to continue close cooperation in efforts to link the CPTPP with other partners.
Finally, the Canadian PM affirmed that Canada will maintain close coordination with Vietnam at regional and international multilateral forums and expressed full support for Vietnam as the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2027.
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