Hanoi strengthens ties with Mexico, Canada

A high-level delegation from Hanoi, led by Vu Duc Bao, head of the Organization Commission of the Hanoi City Party Committee, visited Mexico and Canada from June 24 to July 2.

The delegation visits the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico City.

On June 25, the Hanoi delegation paid a visit to the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico, where they were received by Ambassador Nguyen Hoanh Nam.

At the meeting, Vu Duc Bao, Head of the Municipal Party Committee Organization Commission, expressed Hanoi's desire to strengthen cooperation with international cities and regions, including Mexico City. The delegation asked the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico to continue supporting and promoting friendship and cooperation between Hanoi and Mexico.

Ambassador Nguyen Hoanh Nam thanked the Hanoi delegation and assured them of the Embassy's commitment to accompany and facilitate Hanoi's external activities with Mexico in the future.

On June 26, the delegation laid flowers at the monument to President Ho Chi Minh in the historic center of Mexico City. This monument remains a symbol of the enduring friendship and solidarity between the peoples of Mexico and Vietnam.

The delegation held talks with Mexico City's Secretary of Economic Development, Fadlala Akabani Hneide, and other government officials.

Bao thanked the Mexico City government for its warm welcome. He highlighted the similarities between Vietnam and Mexico in their struggles for national independence and sovereignty and the strong political ties between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975.

The delegation laid flowers at the monument to President Ho Chi Minh in the historic center of Mexico City.

The delegation provided an overview of Hanoi's achievements in socio-economic development, especially in culture, heritage, and tourism.

Hneide highlighted the positive progress in Vietnam-Mexico relations, especially in the economic sector, since the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2018.

He expressed his desire for further cooperation between the two countries and capitals, especially in manufacturing machinery, chemicals, garments, medical instruments, electricity and lighting, and tourism promotion.

The delegation visits the Mexico City Government.

Both sides agreed to increase cooperation in tourism, infrastructure development, health care, education and investment.

Later in the day, the delegation met with Vice President of the Mexican Labor Party Pedro Vázquez.

During the meeting, they reviewed the achievements of the friendship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Mexican Labor Party, focusing on the cooperation agreement signed by the two parties in 2019. Vázquez said the Mexican Labor Party expects to expand and strengthen cooperation with the Communist Party of Vietnam in various fields. These include cooperation with the Central Acupuncture Hospital, promoting cultural exchanges, art performances, photo exhibitions, and educational cooperation between the two countries and strengthening economic cooperation.

During the trip to Vancouver, Canada, on June 29, the delegation met with Mike Klassen, the deputy mayor of Vancouver.

During the meeting, Bao said that 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Canada (1973-2023).

The delegation in a meeting with Deputy Mayor of Vancouver Mike Klassen.

In light of this milestone, he noted that both countries have agreed to promote high-level visits to deepen and strengthen the Vietnam-Canada relationship.

Bao said Hanoi aims to expand economic exchanges, educational cooperation, tourism, and cultural cooperation with Vancouver.

Both sides also agreed to promote signing a memorandum of understanding between the two cities soon.

Klassen provided an overview of the administrative structure of the Vancouver municipal government and shared information on staff training and development. He agreed with the delegation's suggestions and pledged to coordinate with the Vietnamese Embassy in Canada and the Vietnamese Consulate General in Vancouver to promote cooperation with Hanoi.

Later that day, the Hanoi delegation visited the Vietnamese Consulate General in Vancouver, where they were received by Consul General Nguyen Quang Trung.

The Consulate General and overseas Vietnamese expressed their wishes and suggestions for Hanoi to expand trade and tourism cooperation with Canadian cities, promote Hanoi's culture in Canada (including water puppetry, traditional music and food), and foster cooperation in education and labor export.

On behalf of the delegation, the Head of the Organizing Committee of the Hanoi Party Committee briefed them on Hanoi's socio-economic development, cultural highlights and tourism achievements in recent years.

Bao conveyed Hanoi's commitment to promoting cooperation with Vancouver and asked for the continued support of overseas Vietnamese in facilitating links and cooperation between Hanoi and Canadian localities. The delegation also urged the Consulate General of Vietnam in Vancouver to continue its attention and support for Hanoi's external activities and people-to-people exchanges in the future.