Vietnam Proposes Energy Security as Pillar in ASEAN-Canada Ties

Vietnam has put forward concrete proposals to strengthen relations with dialogue partners during ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meetings. Notably, in its relations with Canada, it advocated for making energy security and energy transition a pillar of bilateral ties. The Vietnamese delegation urged Canada to support the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid and expand cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, hydrogen, energy storage, and civilian nuclear power. Furthermore, Vietnam called for the establishment of a deeper and more practical strategic partnership with Russia. In its meeting with New Zealand, Vietnam co-chaired the ASEAN-New Zealand Post-Ministerial Conference, contributing to the advancement of cooperation. Additionally, to bolster relations with Japan, Vietnam proposed three priorities to advance ASEAN-Japan cooperation at the ASEAN-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-59). These proposals highlight Vietnam's emphasis on energy transition and sustainable development within the region. Under its one-party system, Vietnam has achieved economic growth and is increasingly pursuing its national interests strategically in its external relations. The recognition that energy is fundamental to economic development and requires international cooperation is likely a key factor behind these initiatives.