Taking place in the context of rapid and epochal changes in the world, the working trip by General Secretary and President To Lam conveyed a message of Viet Nam's steadfast commitment to a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development; proactively and actively integrating into the international community; and making responsible contributions to addressing to common global issues.
The visit left a profound mark by opening a new and increasingly extensive and substantive phase of development in bilateral relations between Viet Nam and the US and Canada, helping spread to international friends the image of a Vietnamese nation entering a new era of development with a vision, determination, and strong aspiration to rise. Through a working trip featuring effective and diverse activities, Viet Nam strengthened connections and mobilised valuable resources, expanding development space for the country.
Alongside 120 heads of state, heads of government and representatives of United Nations member states, General Secretary and President To Lam led the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to the High-level General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly — an important forum where leaders of countries shared their visions and sought solutions to urgent global issues. In his speech at the General Debate, the General Secretary and President put forward four major orientations for building a world where competition does not become confrontation, differences do not lead to conflict, and advances in science and technology do not create new divisions. The speech was highly appreciated by international leaders, experts, and scholars as it conveyed a message of peace and cooperation from a nation that experienced years of arduous resistance in its struggle for independence and freedom and deeply understands the value of peace.
The meetings and working sessions in the US during General Secretary and President To Lam's working trip continued to promote the positive development of Viet Nam-US relations, which serve as a model of efforts to heal, set aside the past, and look towards the future in international relations. The determination to preserve, nurture, and pass on to future generations the sound bilateral relationship was strongly reflected in General Secretary and President To Lam's policy speech at the Foreign Policy Association of the US. Accordingly, at a time when conflicts, divisions, and a lack of trust persist in many parts of the world, the story of Viet Nam-US relations shows that reconciliation is a long process but can fully succeed when there is goodwill, responsibility and perseverance. Viet Nam affirmed its desire to deepen relations with countries, identifying the US as one of its leading important partners.
At the meetings, leaders from both sides recognised that the potential for Viet Nam-US cooperation is wide open, particularly in economic, trade, and investment cooperation; science and technology; and innovation. They also highlighted their sense of responsibility and hope to continue working together to deliver specific and practical cooperation outcomes, laying a foundation for the two countries to take further and more solid steps on the road ahead.
General Secretary and President To Lam's state visit to Canada, the first visit by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee to Canada since the two countries established diplomatic relations, marked a milestone in the history of bilateral relations. The two sides agreed to upgrade Viet Nam-Canada relations to a strategic partnership, opening a new era of broader, more substantive, and more sustainable cooperation. The joint statement affirmed that the leaders of the two countries had upgraded Viet Nam-Canada relations to a strategic partnership based on eight pillars. Collectively, these pillars provide a foundation for Viet Nam and Canada to address common challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and contribute to a more secure, prosperous, and dynamic Indo-Pacific region.
In Canada, General Secretary and President To Lam held numerous exchanges with leaders, scholars, business representatives, friends, and the Vietnamese community there. General Secretary and President To Lam's policy speech “Viet Nam-Canada Strategic Partnership in a changing world” opened major directions for the two countries to coordinate more effectively within the framework of their new cooperation. When Canada's knowledge, technology, and resources are combined with Viet Nam's market, abundant and high-quality human resources, and its efforts to advance, the two sides can jointly create quality products, services, and jobs. This provides a foundation for the two countries' relations to move increasingly further and more firmly forward.
The message that the Party and State care for the overseas Vietnamese community, consistently implement the policy of great national unity, and promote resources both at home and abroad was also strongly conveyed throughout the working trip. General Secretary and President To Lam expressed his appreciation for the contributions made by Vietnamese communities in the US and Canada to strengthening Viet Nam's relations with friendly countries, as well as their joint efforts and contributions to the country's development.
With a wide range of diverse and practical outcomes, General Secretary and President To Lam's participation in the High-level General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, along with bilateral activities in the US and state visit to Canada highlighted the image of a dynamic Viet Nam making strong progress and continuing to make active contributions to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and around the world. The development aspirations of each nation underscore the responsibility to foster international cooperation. The working trip contributed to turning opportunities and cooperation potential between Viet Nam and the United Nations, the US, and Canada into specific orientations and programmes of action, thereby connecting resources for the future of Viet Nam and other countries.
