General Secretary and President To Lam delivered a policy speech titled "Vietnam-Canada Strategic Partnership in a Volatile World" at the Canadian Parliament on 24/9, as part of a state visit to Canada.
To Lam highlighted Vietnam's value to Canada, noting it is a market of over 100 million people and a dynamic economy linked to important maritime routes and supply chains. Vietnam is also an active member of ASEAN. Collaborating with Vietnam provides Canadian businesses with opportunities to diversify markets and connect with Southeast Asia.
Conversely, Canada offers Vietnam knowledge, technology, an advanced education system, strengths in energy and agriculture, and long-term capital.
The General Secretary and President expressed confidence that Vietnam's new development phase will create further collaboration opportunities with Canada. He stated that combining Canada's knowledge, technology, and resources with Vietnam's market, high-quality human resources, and development aspirations can lead to the creation of quality products, services, and jobs. This shared interest forms the foundation for stronger and more advanced bilateral ties.
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General Secretary and President To Lam delivered a policy speech at the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa on 24/9. Photo: TTXVN |
General Secretary and President To Lam delivered a policy speech at the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa on 24/9. Photo: TTXVN
To Lam emphasized five key directions for the partnership, beginning with consolidating political trust and elevating parliamentary, defense, and security cooperation.
Both nations should maintain regular exchanges and high-level contacts. Regularly reviewing outcomes will help resolve issues and ensure effective implementation of agreements.
The second direction stresses the need for Vietnam and Canada to connect their respective strengths, creating new development momentum. They should promote sustainable trade growth and mutual benefits. Vietnam seeks expanded opportunities for Canadian goods, services, and technology, particularly agricultural products, food, clean technology, and education. Science and technology should become a key pillar of the new relationship.
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General Secretary and President To Lam arrived to deliver a policy speech at the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa on 24/9. Photo: TTXVN |
General Secretary and President To Lam arrived to deliver a policy speech at the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa on 24/9. Photo: TTXVN
The third direction involves fostering stronger bonds between the people of both nations. They should facilitate tourism, study, research, and cultural and artistic exchanges. Expanding educational linkages, faculty and student exchanges, and promoting cooperation between educational institutions for credit and degree recognition, according to each country's regulations, are also crucial. Emphasis should be placed on vocational training, connecting alumni, and creating more opportunities for younger generations to understand, work together, and innovate.
The fourth direction calls for enhanced coordination in regional and global mechanisms. Collaboration opportunities span the United Nations, ASEAN-led mechanisms, La Francophonie, CPTPP, and APEC, especially concerning the digital economy, sustainable development, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
The fifth direction highlights contributing to a rules-based international order. Vietnam and Canada share an interest in maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. Disputes should be resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
"As Vietnam progresses towards becoming a developed nation, we seek Canada's partnership. We hope that when Canada looks to Southeast Asia, it will see Vietnam as a natural, close, and trusted partner, and together, we can become strong maritime nations, building robust connections between North America and Southeast Asia, between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, between development and innovation, and between peace and prosperity", the General Secretary and President emphasized.
Ngoc Anh
