Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held a meeting with Canada’s former Governor General Michaelle Jean in Hanoi on November 14.

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.

Lauding Michaelle Jean’s candidacy for the post of Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) for the 2015-18 tenure, he expressed his belief that if elected, she will perform her duties well.

The Deputy PM affirmed Vietnam’s constant policy of participating in the OIF in an active and responsible manner, stating that Vietnam can act as a bridge between the Francophonie and ASEAN.

He suggested the OIF focus more on economic cooperation and plans to adapt to the rapidly changing global context, along with encouraging the diversity in culture and language.

Meanwhile, Michaelle Jean said Vietnam is an important partner for Canada in the Asian-Pacific region, and highly valued the role Vietnam plays in international and regional organisations.

She lauded Vietnam’s contributions to the development of the French-speaking community over the years, including the successful organisation of the seventh OIF summit in 1997, which marked an important milestone of the community.

On the occasion, she also shared her opinions on the future of the community, highlighting that its policies should meet the requirements of its members, with more of a focus on the promotion of the role of women and youth in building a community of solidarity, stability and sustainable development.

She said she was impressed by women and youngsters in Vietnam, considering them important actors in Vietnam’s national development and international integration processes.-VNA