The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday met with Vietnam's government officials: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Foreign Affairs Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn, and Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên during her trip to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Minister Joly thanked Prime Minister Chính for his country's warm welcome. Both commented positively on the two countries' long-standing and beneficial cooperation in many areas such as support for the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific, multilateralism and international development assistance. They concluded their meeting by identifying opportunities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, which will take place in 2023.
During their bilateral meeting, Minister Joly and Foreign Affairs Minister Sơn reflected on the progress that both countries have enjoyed in trade, education and increased defence cooperation. They also highlighted the long-standing friendship of the two countries and strong cultural and people-to-people ties. The ministers agreed to continue cooperation on a wide range of issues including women's economic empowerment, resilience to climate change, and multilateral organizations like the International Organisation of La Francophonie.
During their bilateral meeting, Minister Joly and Foreign Affairs Minister Sơn reflected on the progress that both countries have enjoyed in trade, education and increased defence cooperation. They also highlighted the long-standing friendship between our two countries and strong cultural and people-to-people ties. Minister Joly raised Russia's war of choice in Ukraine and discussed the importance of upholding international law, the UN Charter, territorial integrity and sovereignty. The ministers agreed to continue cooperation on a wide range of issues including women's economic empowerment, resilience to climate change, and multilateral organizations like La Francophonie.
Minister Joly also met with Industry and Trade Minister Diên. Both recognized their countries' rapidly growing trade and investment relationship. Minister Joly emphasized Canada's priorities within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and expressed her appreciation for the launch of ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Negotiations. The Minister noted that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership continues to be an important tool to help businesses and consumers in both countries benefit from strengthened and diversified supply chains. Both ministers are pleased to see the establishment of a Joint Economic Committee in January 2022 to enhance dialogue and collaboration, and advance bilateral trade and economic relations.
