Welcoming the Vietnamese delegation, the Canadian Deputy Minister of National Defense emphasized the importance of the dialogue in implementing cooperation initiatives agreed upon by the leaders of the two countries and their defense ministers. She affirmed that defense cooperation is a key pillar of the strong bilateral relationship and Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and Canada.
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An overview of the dialogue |
Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang noted that Viet Nam-Canada relations have continued to develop and strengthen on the basis of trust, equality, mutual respect, and the interests of both peoples. The elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership during General Secretary and President To Lam's state visit to Canada in September 2026 has provided fresh momentum for expanding comprehensive cooperation, including in the defense sector.
At the dialogue, both sides reviewed the progress of bilateral defense cooperation, noting that agreements and commitments made by their defense leaders had been actively implemented with substantive and positive results. Key areas of cooperation include delegation exchanges, dialogue and consultations, education and training, cooperation between arms and services, defense industry, United Nations peacekeeping operations, search and rescue, science and technology, innovation, and mutual consultation and support in multilateral defense cooperation mechanisms and forums. These include the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+), in which Canada participates as an observer in the Experts' Working Groups.
Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang expressed his appreciation to Canada's Department of National Defense for providing Viet Nam with numerous scholarships under the Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP). These opportunities have helped improve the professional qualifications and international integration capabilities of officers and personnel of the Viet Nam People's Army.
Looking ahead, the two sides agreed to continue implementing existing cooperation commitments, focusing on deepening established areas of collaboration while exploring new opportunities that align with each country's needs and strengths. Priority areas include high-level delegation exchanges, dialogue and consultation mechanisms, training, United Nations peacekeeping operations, cooperation between arms and services, search and rescue, cybersecurity, and defense industry. Both sides also agreed to continue consulting and supporting each other in multilateral defense and security cooperation mechanisms and forums.
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The two head delegates sign the Three-Year Defense Cooperation Plan for 2027-2029 and the minutes of the fourth Viet Nam-Canada Defense Policy Dialogue. |
On this occasion, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang conveyed an invitation from General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Viet Nam, to Canada's Minister of National Defense to pay an official visit to Viet Nam at a convenient time. He also welcomed Canadian defense officials and military leaders to attend the third Viet Nam Defense Expo, scheduled to take place in Hanoi from December 10 to 13, and encouraged Canadian defense companies to showcase their products at the event. The Canadian Deputy Minister of National Defense said Canada would send a high-level delegation and several companies to participate in the exhibition.
The two sides also exchanged views on global and regional developments and issues of mutual concern. Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang reaffirmed Viet Nam's consistent position of resolving maritime disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He also emphasized the need to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (also known as South China Sea) and develop a substantive, effective and practical Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
The Canadian official said Canada highly valued ASEAN's position and Viet Nam's role in maintaining regional peace and stability. She expressed Canada's hope that Viet Nam would continue supporting Canada's efforts to make greater contribution to the region.
At the conclusion of the dialogue, the two head delegates signed the Three-Year Defense Cooperation Plan for the 2027-2029 period and the minutes of the fourth Viet Nam-Canada Defense Policy Dialogue.
Translated by Tran Hoai