During their talks on 24/9, General Secretary, President To Lam and Prime Minister Mark Carney assessed that Vietnam - Canada relations were fully poised to enter a new stage of development as a strategic partnership. The two countries issued a joint statement on upgrading relations based on 8 pillars, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Regarding bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhance political trust and mutual understanding. This will be achieved through regular high-level delegation exchanges and leveraging existing bilateral mechanisms. They also shared a commitment to uphold international law and strengthen regional and multilateral cooperation in forums such as the United Nations, APEC, ASEAN-led mechanisms, La Francophonie, and within the framework of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

General Secretary, President To Lam and Prime Minister Mark Carney. Photo: VNA

In terms of trade, investment, finance, and economic cooperation, the leaders noted rapid growth in bilateral trade. This demonstrates the strength of the economic partnership and the significant room for further expansion in trade, investment, strategic business partnerships, and development cooperation, thereby advancing shared priorities. Both sides reaffirmed support for a non-discriminatory, open, fair, inclusive, equitable, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system. Vietnam affirmed its readiness to facilitate Canadian businesses investing and operating stably and long-term in Vietnam.

On transport, supply chain management, and infrastructure cooperation, the leaders agreed to coordinate in removing market access barriers. This will facilitate increased trade, strengthen maritime sector resilience, and maintain supply chain continuity. Vietnam and Canada welcomed progress in bilateral transport cooperation, reaffirming the importance of cooperation in reducing emissions from maritime transport.

Regarding digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, and innovation, the leaders committed to exploring cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. This includes collaboration at multilateral forums and in the application of advanced technologies. Vietnam and Canada agreed to explore opportunities to promote sustainable digital transformation, build secure digital ecosystems, and improve infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data governance, in line with domestic regulations and international law. The leaders welcomed cooperation opportunities through ASEAN mechanisms, agreeing to support research cooperation, talent mobility, and innovation partnerships in strategic areas. They also agreed to collaborate on developing innovation and startup ecosystems.

General Secretary, President To Lam holds talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Photo: VNA

Concerning energy security, environment, and sustainable growth, leaders affirmed energy security as an important foundation for economic growth, industrial development, and long-term prosperity. Vietnam and Canada emphasized the importance of ensuring stable, affordable, and sustainable energy supplies. This supports economic resilience, enhances competitiveness, and promotes energy transition efforts. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to addressing climate change and agreed to promote cooperation on environmental protection and biodiversity. Both sides affirmed that sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure is key to promoting economic growth, prosperity, and long-term competitiveness.

For food security and agri-food cooperation, the leaders highlighted the key role of this activity in ensuring stable food supply, promoting sustainable development, and encouraging innovation across the food value chain. Vietnam and Canada agreed to enhance cooperation on food security, sustainable agriculture, and innovation in agricultural technology.

In defense, security, maritime, law enforcement, and justice cooperation, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defense dialogue. They agreed to explore security cooperation opportunities, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, enhancing maritime law enforcement capacity, and responding to non-traditional security challenges. Vietnam and Canada agreed to explore potential cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, maritime domain awareness, inter-service cooperation, intelligence, defense industry, science, technology, and innovation, consistent with each country's capabilities. They will also maintain consultations and mutual support in regional and multilateral defense cooperation to promote dialogue, prevent conflict, enhance coordinated resilience, and maintain a stable international security environment.

General Secretary, President To Lam and Prime Minister Mark Carney. Photo: VNA

The leaders welcomed initial exchanges on customs cooperation and discussions towards establishing a bilateral Dialogue on Security and Law Enforcement. This will support cooperation in combating security challenges posed by transnational organized crime. The two leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, without the threat or use of force. They also emphasized freedom of navigation and overflight, unhindered lawful commerce in the South China Sea, and respect for the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal states over their exclusive economic zones (EEZ) and continental shelves established under international law.

Regarding education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in higher education, skill development, research, and academic exchange. This is especially true in priority areas, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Both sides emphasized expanding support for Vietnamese and Canadian students, teachers, scholars, and researchers to participate in education and training programs in both countries. The leaders agreed to strengthen connections between businesses and communities, welcoming the successful conclusion of negotiations to expand the Vietnam - Canada Air Transport Agreement. This agreement allows direct passenger and dedicated cargo flights between the two countries.

Full text of the Vietnam - Canada Joint Statement

Both sides expressed confidence that the new relationship framework will open a new chapter in bilateral relations. It will foster deeper, more substantive, and effective Vietnam - Canada cooperation, contributing positively to peace, stability, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region and worldwide.

Nguyen Tien