Vietnam’s President Tô Lâm has elevated relations with Canada to a strategic partnership, following efforts by Prime Minister Mark Carney to strengthen collaboration between middle powers in response to pressures from the United States and China. Speaking through an interpreter on Parliament Hill, Lâm emphasized the importance of trust, responsibility, and shared interests in today’s volatile global landscape.

During his one-day state visit, which included activities such as a tree-planting ceremony at Rideau Hall and an address to parliamentarians and members of the Vietnamese diaspora, Lâm became the first Vietnamese president to visit Canada. As the leader of Vietnam’s communist party, he holds significant influence within the country.

In a meeting at Carney’s office in the West Block, the Prime Minister praised Lâm for his leadership as a middle power and highlighted the rapid progress in the bilateral relationship since a 2017 agreement covering investment, defense, and academia. Carney hinted at potential developments in direct commercial flights between Canada and Vietnam.

The new strategic partnership signifies a deeper level of cooperation on long-term objectives, according to Vina Nadjibulla, co-founder of the Centre for Strategic Statecraft. She noted the alignment between Vietnam and Canada in maintaining the rules-based international order and pursuing economic diversification.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand outlined the areas of focus for the renewed partnership, which include energy, agriculture, defense cooperation, and people-to-people connections. Anand emphasized the importance of building partnerships amid changing global economic dynamics.

Lâm emphasized the need for concrete action plans with clear priorities to address bottlenecks and enhance collaboration in sectors such as Canadian technology, agriculture, clean energy, and education. The bilateral trade between Canada and Vietnam exceeded $20 billion last year, with both countries benefiting from the partnership.

Vietnam, a member of ASEAN, is actively diversifying its trade relationships beyond the U.S. and seeking to reduce dependence on American tariffs. The country’s efforts align with Canada’s goals of trade diversification and strengthening supply chains.

In the context of the CPTPP, Vietnam’s role as the current chair underscores the importance of rules-based commerce and collaboration among member countries. The alliance aims to counter economic coercion tactics employed by major powers, such as China and the U.S.

Lâm’s visit to Canada reflects the growing international engagement with Carney’s initiatives to expand trade and diplomatic ties. With recent visits from leaders of various countries and planned future engagements, Canada’s position as a middle power on the global stage is increasingly recognized and valued.

This visit by the Vietnamese President underscores the mutual commitment to strengthening ties and fostering cooperation between Canada and Vietnam in various strategic areas.