Viet Nam, Canada lift bilateral ties into Strategic Partnership

The two leaders expressed their confidence that the new framework of relations would open a new chapter in bilateral ties, enabling Viet Nam-Canada cooperation to develop in a deeper, more substantive and effective manner, while making positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world.

Carney warmly welcomed the Vietnamese leader's State visit to Canada, stressing that the historic visit would provide fresh momentum for the bilateral relations and usher them into a new phase of broader and more substantive development.

The Prime Minister spoke highly of Viet Nam's socio-economic development achievements, growing international stature and positive contributions to the international community, affirming that Viet Nam is an important partner for Canada in advancing relations with ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

He expressed his hope to make economic, trade, investment, financial cooperation and economic integration important drivers of the newly-established Strategic Partnership.

The host called for greater facilitation of market access for goods, stronger trade and investment promotion, and enhanced supply-chain connectivity, while encouraging Canadian businesses and investment funds to increase their investment in Viet Nam.

He also welcomed both sides to foster new areas of cooperation, including infrastructure and transport, and supported the establishment of direct air routes between the two countries.

The Canadian Prime Minister proposed that the two sides further leverage the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to promote free trade, and work toward an early conclusion of negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, thereby expanding the space for cooperation and diversifying markets and supply chains.

He voiced Canada's support for Viet Nam in hosting the third Viet Nam International Defense Expo, adding that Canada would send representatives to attend the event. He also welcomed Viet Nam's plan to soon establish a Defense Attaché Office in his country.

Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed Canada's support for ASEAN centrality and stronger ASEAN-Canada cooperation.

The host expresses thanks to Viet Nam for its support in strengthening ASEAN-Canada relations and advancing negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement.

Canada advocates Viet Nam and stands ready to work with the Southeast Asian country to contribute to the successful organization of APEC Year 2027, he stated.

To Lam, for his part, emphasized that Viet Nam regards Canada as a friend and trusted partner, sharing many common interests and strategic visions.

The guest called on the two countries to focus on new priorities in the bilateral relations, including making science and technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies new drivers of bilateral cooperation.

He suggested the two sides strengthen cooperation in research, development and application of new technologies, share experience in digital transformation and development of digital government, digital economy and digital society, while placing greater emphasis on developing high-quality human resources.

To Lam invited Prime Minister Carney to pay an official visit to Viet Nam this year and attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Week in 2027, appraising Canada's support for Viet Nam in undertaking international responsibilities.

The two leaders agreed that Viet Nam-Canada relations have now met all the necessary conditions to enter a new phase of development, marked by higher political trust, broader and more substantive cooperation, and more closely intertwined interests.

They underlined the need to soon develop a specific agenda and action plan to effectively implement the new framework of relations.

The two sides pledged to promote all-level delegation exchanges, enhance parliamentary cooperation, and make more effective use of the bilateral mechanisms, including regular consultations and dialogue between the two Foreign Ministries.

The host and guest vowed to promote linkages among universities, research institutes and businesses, strengthen joint research and the transfer of knowledge and technology, and develop innovation ecosystems.

They pledged to expand energy cooperation, including in clean energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewable energy, and cooperation in nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Both sides emphasized the need to step up collaboration in healthcare, environment, agriculture, food security, education and training, culture and people-to-people exchanges; leverage their complementary strengths in agriculture, food production and trade to contribute to the development of sustainable supply chains.

Regarding defense and security cooperation, the two sides vowed to strengthen defense, security and law enforcement cooperation in accordance with the needs and aspirations of each side.

Both countries will reinforce coordination in non-traditional security, maritime security, cybersecurity, humanitarian assistance, UN peacekeeping and combating transnational crime, and work toward establishing a bilateral dialogue on security and law enforcement, shared the two leaders.

They underlined the need to join hands and support each other at regional and multilateral forums, particularly boosting coordination at the United Nations, the Francophonie, APEC, CPTPP and ASEAN-led mechanisms.

The two sides shared a common vision of strengthening dialogue and cooperation, upholding multilateralism, the United Nations Charter and international law.

They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, adding that disputes must be resolved by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Following their summit meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing and exchange of cooperation documents between their agencies and announced the Joint Declaration on the elevation of Viet Nam-Canada relations into a Strategic Partnership./.