During a phone call on the evening of 21/7 at the Government Office, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung affirmed that Vietnam always considers Canada an important partner in its foreign policy, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The prime minister noted that Vietnam-Canada relations have much room and potential to expand and develop more substantially and effectively, aiming to elevate the relationship in the coming time.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung at the Government Office on the evening of 21/7. *Photo: VNA*

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed that both sides coordinate closely to realize specific priorities. These include enhancing exchanges of delegations at all levels and channels. He also requested Canada continue opening its market for Vietnamese goods, especially agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products.

The prime minister encouraged Canadian businesses to increase investment in key sectors and projects in energy, green economy, and circular economy in Vietnam. He also suggested establishing bilateral cooperation mechanisms on law enforcement, enhancing high-quality human resource training in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum, and semiconductors, and continuing to coordinate closely and effectively in multilateral forums.

Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed that Vietnam is a key partner for Canada in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions. He shared Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's views on the positive development and great potential of the Canada-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership, agreeing to soon upgrade the framework of bilateral relations to a new level.

The Canadian prime minister expressed his desire for both sides to coordinate closely and promote common interests in sustainable and inclusive development, energy, aerospace, agriculture, food safety, science and technology, and high-quality human resource training. Mr. Carney also mentioned promoting the possibility of establishing direct flights and encouraged increased people-to-people exchanges.

The two leaders agreed to enhance coordination in addressing common regional and international challenges. They also committed to continue supporting ASEAN's centrality and upholding ASEAN's and Vietnam's stance on the peaceful resolution of sovereignty disputes in the East Sea (South China Sea) based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Prime Minister Carney affirmed that Canada will maintain close coordination with Vietnam in regional and international multilateral forums and support Vietnam as the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in 2027.

Nguyen Tien