The Minister of National Defence,  David J. McGuinty, met with General Phan Văn Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, for a bilateral discussion focused on strengthening defence cooperation between Canada and Vietnam.

 During the conversation, the Ministers exchanged views on the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific and underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the new Canada-Vietnam Strategic Partnership and discussed opportunities to deepen practical defence cooperation, including through military training, security cooperation, and mutual support in multilateral Forum including ASEAN

 Recognizing the growing role of industry in supporting defence readiness and innovation, the Ministers also discussed opportunities to increase defence industrial collaboration between Canada and Vietnam. They highlighted the potential for greater engagement between Canadian and Vietnamese companies. Minister McGuinty referenced the upcoming Vietnam International Defence Expo as an important venue to showcase capabilities, strengthen partnerships, and foster engagement between governments and industry. He noted that Canada will be sending a delegation to participate in the Expo, led by Canada's Senior Military Representative in the Indo-Pacific, Lieutenant-General Derek Macaulay. This demonstrates Canada's commitment to expanding defence and industrial engagement with Vietnam and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

 The meeting concluded with both Ministers reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the Canada-Vietnam defence partnership and maintaining regular dialogue in support of shared security interests, international law and a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific region.