The conference enables participants to discuss the diplomatic relations’ progress in the past five decades from 1973 to 2023. (Photo: VIAS)
Hanoi (VNA) – An international conference, titled “50-year Relationship of Vietnam-Canada: Look Back and Forward”, took place in Hanoi on August 25.
Co-organised by the Vietnam Institute of Americas Studies (VIAS) and the Canadian Embassy, it enabled participants to discuss the diplomatic relations’ progress in the past five decades from 1973 to 2023. They analysed the current regional context and international institutions of which both countries are members in order to find common ground, opportunities, and platforms serving the advancement of the ties in the time to come.
Delegates highlighted a need for the sides to further capitalise on the potential of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as well as their economic and education cooperation and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
In his opening remarks, Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Duc Minh, Vice President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), stressed that the friendly relations between Vietnam and Canada have been developing robustly, earning many accomplishments in all spheres, particularly politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, defence, security, education, and development cooperation.
VIAS Director Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Xuan Trung attributed those achievements to a strong foundation of past cooperation and the Canadian people’s support for their Vietnamese peers.
He said the two countries share common views in many areas such as maintaining peace, stability, and international security; respecting international law; supporting multilateralism; upholding human rights and equality; and contributing to sustainable development and international humanitarian activities. They also share the desire for a peaceful and stable environment in the Asia-Pacific region.
In addition, the community of over 240,000 Vietnamese people in Canada serves as a crucial bridge for people-to-people exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries, especially in such areas as innovation, green technology, digital technology, and human resources training./.
Vietnam - Canada relations have developed robustly over the past five decades, making significant contributions to the development and prosperity of both countries.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh had a meeting with Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil in Hanoi on August 22 to discuss cooperation possibilities in climate change response and related issues.
The Canadian Embassy in Hanoi held a ceremony on August 24 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Canada diplomatic relations (1973 - 2023), featuring cultural performances and an exhibition showcasing Canadian products in Vietnam.
Vietnam has over 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, including hundreds of thousands in the second, third, and even fourth generations. Many live with severe disabilities, facing high medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed that amnesty is a humanitarian policy of the Party and State, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and winning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally.
Vietnam officially grants limited-term visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
With support from the Vietnamese Association in Ufa, Vietnamese language classes for children have been offered for many years. Currently, 60 children of various ages are attending two classes taught by Duc Anh, free of charge.
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
Although millions of Vietnamese were affected by AO, only over 626,000 individuals, including war veterans and their children suffering from dioxin-related conditions, are currently receiving state benefits.
The conference enables participants to discuss the diplomatic relations’ progress in the past five decades from 1973 to 2023. (Photo: VIAS) 
