Vietnam’s Foreign Affairs Minister Le Hoai Trung held separate meetings with his Canadian and New Zealand counterparts during the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-59) and associated meetings in Manila, Philippines reiterating Vietnam's dedication to boosting bilateral relations and improving cooperation within the ASEAN framework.
Meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Trung expressed appreciation for Canada's lasting dedication to ASEAN and its backing of Vietnam as well as Vietnam-led initiatives within the group. He reiterated that Vietnam considers Canada a key partner and is prepared to enhance practical collaboration while pursuing the advancement of the Vietnam-Canada Comprehensive Partnership, highlighting the increasing political trust, cooperative potential, and common interests of both nations.
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Citing the guidelines established by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during their phone conversation on July 21, Trung urged for enhanced collaboration to turn those commitments into reality. He suggested enhancing delegation exchanges, fully utilizing current dialogue mechanisms, and increasing collaboration in trade, investment, defense, security, high-quality workforce development, and coordination in regional and international forums.
Anand praised Vietnam for its developmental successes and conveyed assurance that the nation would keep assuming a more significant role in both regional and global matters. She emphasized Canada's backing for ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-led frameworks, labeling Viet Nam as a crucial partner in Canada's involvement with ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific.
The two ministers concurred to collaborate closely in preparation for upcoming high-level visits, hasten initiatives to enhance bilateral relations, and broaden cooperation in sustainable development, energy, aerospace, agriculture, food safety, science and technology, education, training, and exchanges among people.
They committed to enhance strategic discussions and collaboration at multilateral platforms, including ASEAN. Anand appreciated Vietnam's position as Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026 and its role as host of APEC 2027, expressing optimism that Vietnam would keep promoting advancements towards a Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement. Trung additionally urged Anand to come to Vietnam when it was convenient for both.
During a discussion with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, both parties expressed their approval of the strong progress in bilateral ties and the ongoing growth of ASEAN-New Zealand collaboration.
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Peters praised Vietnam's proactive and effective position as ASEAN-New Zealand Country Coordinator for 2024-2027, stating it had contributed to deepening dialogue, enhancing mutual trust, and fostering more significant cooperation. He also recognized Vietnam's role in enhancing ASEAN-New Zealand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and influencing its future cooperation agenda.
Trung reiterated Vietnam's dedication to continuing as a link between ASEAN and New Zealand by collaborating closely with both parties to successfully execute the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action for 2026-2030, while aiding in turning the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into concrete, sustainable outcomes.
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The two ministers reached an agreement to uphold high-level exchanges, increase trade and investment collaboration, enhance connections among businesses, regions, and individuals, and further strengthen the Vietnam-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Regarding regional and international matters, they emphasized the significance of ASEAN centrality in the changing regional framework, reiterated support for ASEAN Community development and the execution of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and concurred to maintain close collaboration on issues of shared interest.