Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Canadian Minister of National DefenceHarjit Singh Sajjan talks with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s Viet Nam News on the prospects of Canada-Vietnamdefence cooperation and Canada’s commitment to sustain peace and security inthe Asia-Pacific region during his visit to Vietnam.

Vietnam and Canada set up a new vision onbilateral relations during the visit of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Vietnamlast November, including defence ties. What is the significance of the defencerelations between Vietnam and Canada?

This is the 45thanniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and we are veryproud of that. Our Prime Minister was very happy to visit here and also happyat the comprehensive agreement to move our relationship forward after 45 years.It just shows that the relationship has been built over time.

And now coming to defence,we want to move that relationship forward as well. We want to enhance agreementin military training cooperation. We are able to look at opportunities in whichwe can enhance military training cooperation: from language training to medicaland engineer training.

During this visit, the two ministries ofdefence have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. How can this fosterbilateral relations in the defence sector?

This is another stepforward. The military training programme we have in Canada allows us to locatethe needs of the military. We have identified three needs that we will moveforward with, not only in the agreement but on which we will take action.

Language training is one ofthem. Regarding medical training, we have really good experience in fieldhospitals and especially during the deployment of peacekeeping operations. Itis also very important in dealing with mines and unexploded ordnances becausewhen we go out of our peacekeeping comfort zones, we have to make sure oursoldiers are safe and at the same time, the civilians are kept safe.

Those are a start, but weare also exploring other opportunities. This is another step in deepening ourrelationship.

Canada is seeking to strengthen itspresence in the Asia Pacific by not only promoting economic ties but alsobuilding partnerships in security and defence. What role does Vietnam play inCanada’s Asia Pacific strategy?

First of all, Canada’s rolein the Asia Pacific is very important. We are a Pacific nation ourselves. Wehave a significant focus in our defence policy: we will maintain a consistentmilitary engagement in Asia Pacific to help foster peace and security.

Vietnam plays a veryimportant role in peace and security in the region, especially when it comes tolooking at not only the maritime perspective but other security challenges thatwe face together. We worked together on a number of occasions, we talked onmany security issues at the Shangri-La Dialogue, and having Vietnam’sperspective is extremely important.

How can Canada help Vietnam in the maritimesector? What is Canada’s view of the current dispute in the South China Sea? 

In terms of maritime cooperation,it is about how we can build the capability for Vietnam. It is not just aboutoperating a vessel but what system you need for management.

Regarding the securityissue in the South China Sea, we all have to send a message that any disputesneed to be dealt with by international resolutions. We have tribunals that arein place and all nations need to respect international law and freedom ofnavigation.

That is Canada’s positionin terms of security in the region. We will have a consistent presence in theAsia Pacific to promote peace and security so we can be relied upon to dealwith threats.-VNA