Major takeaways from To Lam's recent tour to U.S., Canada

The top Vietnamese leader successfully concluded his trip to the U.S. where he attended the high-level General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA),  and a state visit to Canada, from September 20-25.

According to the Foreign Minister, it was the General Secretary and President's first working trip to the UN as well as his first visit to the U.S. and Canada after the 14th National Party Congress and elections for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term were held.

It was also the first visit by a General Secretary and President of Viet Nam to Canada over the last 50 years since the two countries established diplomatic ties.

The visit also took place at a time when the international situation continues to evolve in a highly complex manner, with major changes taking place in geopolitics, economy, and science and technology.

During this trip, To Lam briefed about the achievements of Viet Nam's reform process, development policies, and foreign policy, while emphasizing the message regarding the nation's goals, direction, and path of development in the new era.

His remarks delivered at the UNGA General Debate was highly appreciated by countries, noted Le, adding that the top Vietnamese leader shared his assessment of the international situation and, in particular, put forward proposals on ways for the UN to enhance its role and for UN member states to work together to strengthen the organization's role.

On the occasion, the General Secretary and President had working sessions with UN development funds and programs and specialized agencies, during which he shared Viet Nam's experience and expressed the country's readiness to contribute to the activities of UN development organizations, as Viet Nam is regarded as a model of development cooperation between the UN and developing countries.

Another highlight was that To Lam held numerous discussions with leaders of the governments and parliaments, academics, scientists, business leaders, friends, and the Vietnamese communities in the U.S. and Canada, shared the diplomat.

The meetings and working sessions in the U.S. aimed to to promote the positive growth momentum in the bilateral relations and demonstrated Viet Nam's goodwill on issues of mutual concern, including trade, underlined Le.

Meanwhile, in Canada, the Foreign Minister said, most importantly, the two countries elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, together with an action plan containing a wide range of areas and specific measures across all sectors.

The trip not only paves the way for further practical cooperation between relevant sides but also contributes to addressing international issues, highlighted the minister./.