The ASEAN-Canada Dialogue is an annual event under the ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations to promote ASEAN-Canada cooperation.
At the event, the two sides exchange views on key international and regional issues of sharred concern, and discus preparations for the ASEAN-Canada Foreign Ministerial Meeting that is often slated for September.
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At the event. (Photo: VNA) |
At this year’s meeting, the Vietnamese delegation stressed that amid difficulties, countries should join hands to bolster partnerships, uphold the observance of international law, practice code of conduct, ensure peace and stability, and create a favorable environment for recovery and development.
As the ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam also reiterated the ASEAN’s principle viewpoint on the South China Sea (or the East Sea) issue that was agreed by ASEAN leaders at the 36th ASEAN Summit, saying that ASEAN will continue strengthening constructive relationships with all partners, including Canada, promoting dialogues, building trust, and maintaining regional peace and stability.
Speaking at the meeting, Assistant to Canadian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Paul Thoppil affirmed that Canada treasures cooperation with ASEAN and supportthe central role of the bloc in forming the regional security structure. He expressed the desire to intensively and extensively participate in regional cooperation mechanisms, which are led by ASEAN, such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF). He spoke highly of Vietnam’s role as Chair of ASEAN 2020 in coordinating efforts of the ASEAN community, cooperating closely with partners and the international community, as well as promptly coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two sides agreed to promote economic and trade cooperation,maintain supply chain connection, support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, diversify markets,explore the possibility of a free trade agreement, further strengthen cooperation in education and training sector, and build high-quality workforce via the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED).
Canada affirmed to support ASEAN in promoting cooperation and dialogue, building trust among its member states, respecting international law, and settling disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and completing the building of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea (South China Sea).
Translated by Tran Hoai