Deputy PM, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VNA)

(VOVworld) - Vietnam and Canada agreed to boost their cooperation in a number of areas in which Canada excels and Vietnam has a demand for, including economics and trade, science and technology, and education and training.

The agreement was reached during talks between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird as part of Minh’s official visit to Canada which began on Tuesday.

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh stated that Vietnam was dedicated to developing a comprehensive, stable and long-term partnership with Canada.

He suggested both sides increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, particularly at the senior level. He said Canada should continue to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community to integrate into the host country’s society. He lauded Canada’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with ASEAN and the Asian-Pacific region, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

Following the talks, Minh and Baird signed an agreement to boost bilateral cooperation between Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry and the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development.

At a meeting with Deputy PM Minh, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie Christian Paradis said Canada supported Vietnam’s efforts to reform the banking system, develop small and medium-sized enterprises, vocational training and sustainable governance.

Meeting with Canadian Minister of International Trade, Ed Fast, Minh asked Canada to open its doors to Vietnamese goods, especially agricultural products, and recognise Vietnam’s market economy.

During his 2-day visit, Deputy PM Minh also met Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz, Canadian parliamentary leaders, and talked with representatives from the overseas Vietnamese community.