Canadian Foreign Minister Stéphane Dion announced on September 2 that he will travel to Cambodia and Vietnam from September 2 to 8 to advance Canada’s bilateral relations with these two emerging economies and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He will also travel to the Federated States of Micronesia from September 10 to 11 to enhance relations with Pacific island countries at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), where regional economic development and cooperation are priorities.

During his trip to Cambodia and Vietnam, Minister Dion will meet with his counterparts, members of government and the opposition to support capacity-building efforts that promote regional security, dialogue, trade and climate action. He will also meet with students, academics and woman entrepreneurs, as well as members of non-governmental organizations, to discuss the importance of gender parity and human rights as this rapidly developing part of the world focuses its efforts on the economy. For example, in Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Minister Dion will meet groups and individuals who are actively driving the region’s growth.

Minister Dion will then travel to Micronesia to participate in the 28th Post-Forum Dialogue Partners Meeting of the PIF.

This will be Minister Dion’s first visit to Cambodia, Vietnam and Micronesia as minister of foreign affairs. It will also be the first time a Canadian minister of foreign affairs has attended a PIF dialogue partners meeting.

VOV