Vietnam and Canada have embarked on a new phase of their diplomatic relations by adopting an Action Plan aimed at enhancing their Strategic Partnership. This development was formalized during discussions in Ottawa between Vietnamese Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. The plan seeks to transform the commitments made by the leaders of both countries into actionable programs and projects.
The Action Plan delineates a wide array of sectors for enhanced collaboration, including political and diplomatic relations, trade and investment, and science and technology. It also covers digital transformation, healthcare, education, energy security, sustainable development, transport, infrastructure, defense and security, law enforcement, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen their bilateral ties across multiple facets of common interest.
To ensure the effectiveness of the Action Plan, both ministers have agreed to conduct regular reviews and updates. They also emphasized the need for stronger coordination among government agencies, local authorities, and businesses. This collaborative effort is anticipated to facilitate the effective implementation of the plan’s objectives.
In addition to the bilateral focus, Vietnam and Canada are set to enhance their cooperation on the international stage. Both countries agreed to support each other during their respective turns to host APEC meetings in 2027 and 2029. Furthermore, Vietnam has expressed its support for Canada’s hosting of the Francophonie Summit in 2028. These commitments reflect a mutual desire to strengthen their roles within regional and international forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, and APEC.
The two countries also discussed the importance of maintaining and expanding bilateral consultation mechanisms. Exploring additional dialogue frameworks of strategic importance was highlighted as a priority to further fortify their partnership.