The request was made by the Vietnamese Government chief at a meeting held on May 20 with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau as part of activities taking place during his ongoing business trip to Japan.
During the course of the meeting, the two PMs expressed their positive impressions about the good progress made in the Vietnam-Canada Comprehensive Partnership, in which trade co-operation represents a bright spot with last year’s bilateral turnover reaching over US$7 billion.
Amid the two countries celebrating their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations which began back in 1973, both sides agreed to step up all-around linkages, with a particular focus on intensifying meetings, dialogues, and the exchange of delegations at all levels.
PM Chinh therefore proposed that the two sides continue to strengthen development assistance, respond to non-traditional security challenges, whilst enhancing people-to-people exchanges. He asked the Canadian side to co-operate in new areas such as digital transformation, green transformation, circular economy, innovation, and signed agreements to boost co-operation in areas where the two sides have strengths and needs.
The Vietnamese cabinet leader suggested that Canada continue to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese goods to be further exported to the Canadian market.
He expressed his hope that the Government of Canada would continue to support, offer the best possible conditions and improve the legal status for Vietnamese people living, working and studying in the host nation.
In response, PM Justin Trudeau affirmed the importance of relations with Vietnam, highly appreciating Vietnam's increasing role and position in the international arena, which is clearly demonstrated by the fact that Japan and other G7 countries invited Vietnam to attend the expanded G7 summit. He emphasized that his nation backs Vietnam's development path.
The two Prime Ministers said that the more difficult the crisis, the slower the recovery of the world economy, the more countries, including Canada and Vietnam, need to connect, cooperate and support each other.
PM Trudeau hailed the contribution of the Vietnamese community in Canada to the host nation's development.
Trudeau highly agreed with Prime Minister Chinh's proposals on measures to push up relations, including strengthening economic - trade relations with Vietnam within the framework of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Agreement and other frameworks.
PM Trudeau also asked Vietnam to support Canada in stepping up cooperation with ASEAN and the region.
He highly appreciated Vietnam's participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council and the two PMs emphasized that the two sides can discuss different issues through frank and sincere dialogues.
PM Trudeau emphasized that his nation always upholds international law and a rules-based order and supports ASEAN's stance on the East Sea.
On this occasion, PM Pham Minh Chinh cordially invited Trudeau to visit Vietnam soon. The Canadian PM thanked Chinh for his invitation and expressed his wish to soon visit Vietnam.
