Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam Jim Nickel speaks at the 17th East Sea International Conference taking place from November 3-4. (Source: Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam)

How do you evaluate Vietnam’s role in maintaining stability, promoting defence and security cooperation, as well as upholding international law in the East Sea?

As part of the region, Vietnam plays an important role in maintaining stability, promoting defence and security cooperation and upholding international law in the South China Sea. Vietnam is an active member of the United Nations and adheres to international law.

It is essential that countries commit to the full and effective implementation of international law, including UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Doing so provides us all with a framework to peacefully resolve disputes and maintain regional security. These are the ideals that we strive for and are embedded in all our efforts, as Canada’s new government focuses on deepening trade and defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

The partnership with Vietnam, our largest trading partner in ASEAN, has been one of the key factors that has bolstered Canada’s strong and growing economy, making it more resilient to global shocks. Canada is dedicated to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. We continue to be a reliable partner to Vietnam and all those who value a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Does Canada have any plans for cooperation with Vietnam in areas such as peacekeeping, maritime security and officer training?

Our security objectives are centered on fostering a region that is peaceful, resilient, and secure. The Royal Canadian Navy has played an important role in upholding regional peace and stability, including through our partnerships here in Southeast Asia.

With Vietnam specifically, our bilateral defence relationship is strong and growing, with two defence cooperation arrangements and regular high-level policy discussions.

Over the past several years, we have really developed our defence and security cooperation. Our combined focus remains on security cooperation and capacity building. Through our Military Training and Cooperation Plan, Canada has provided valuable training and military education opportunities for Vietnamese officers — including battlefield first aid training and assistance in the design, development and delivery of staff officer training. Our collaboration with the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations will also assist Vietnam in realizing its goal of establishing a regional peacekeeping centre of excellence.

Overview of the Conference. (Source: Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam)

Canada has also supported a number of study visits for Vietnamese officers to Canada. As part of the project “Empowerment for sustainable peace: preventing violence and promoting social cohesion in ASEAN”, officers from the Ministry of National Defence of Vietnam recently participated in the 2025 Women, Peace and Security Conference in Ottawa, marking the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, and took part in technical exchanges with Canadian defence institutions. The visit helped strengthen the capacity of Vietnamese officers in defence, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as contributed to empowering women’s meaningful participation in the defence sector.

In your view, what is the most significant contribution of this forum to enhancing understanding and cooperation among regional defence forces?

This forum serves as an important platform to strengthen solidarity in times of uncertainty. We gather here at a time of significant geopolitical shifts and growing security challenges that demand our collective responsibility, attention, and action. The South China Sea remains a significant flashpoint, with repercussions that would extend well beyond the Indo-Pacific region. Today’s complex security environment underlines the importance of cooperation. Countries must collaborate to uphold international rules that ensure safe, open and peaceful maritime domains.

The Forum fosters constructive dialogue, building trust and deepening mutual understanding among regional defence forces. It provides valuable opportunities for countries to share experiences, exchange perspectives and identify practical avenues for cooperation in addressing common security challenges. In doing so, it reinforces our collective commitment to upholding international law, including UNCLOS, as the cornerstone of peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.