(VOVworld) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held a meeting with Canada’s former Governor General Michaelle Jean in Hanoi on Friday. Affirming that Vietnam values its ties with Canada, he said the country is ready to work with Canada to foster the relationship and make it more effective.

The Deputy PM affirmed Vietnam’s constant policy of participating in the International Francophone Organization in an active and responsible manner, stating that Vietnam can act as a bridge between the Francophone and ASEAN. He suggested the Organization focus more on economic cooperation and plans to adapt to the rapidly changing global context, along with encouraging the diversity in culture and language.  Michaelle Jean said Vietnam is an important partner for Canada in the Asian-Pacific region, and highly valued the role Vietnam plays in global and regional organizations. She lauded Vietnam’s contributions to the development of the French-speaking community over the years. She said she was impressed by women and youngsters in Vietnam, considering them important actors in Vietnam’s national development and international integration process.