On 21 June 2021, H.E. Mrs. Chulamanee Chartsuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, participated in the 19th ASEAN-Canada Dialogue via video conference. The Meeting was co-chaired by Dato’ Amran Mohamed Zin, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia (as the current Country Coordinator for the ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations) and H.E. Mr. Paul Thoppil, Assistant Deputy Minister (Asia Pacific), Global Affairs Canada.

The Meeting discussed the advancement of the ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations in all dimensions, particularly on enhancing COVID-19 recovery, strengthening the public health system, deepening security cooperation including in combatting transnational crime and disaster management, boosting trade and investment through the ASEAN-Canada FTA negotiations, advancing digital transformation, and promoting human security including education, gender equality, and women empowerment. The Meeting also exchanged views on regional and international issues, where both sides emphasised the need to support ASEAN centrality and mutually beneficial cooperation under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). ASEAN Member States also encouraged Canada to develop its Indo-Pacific strategy that will support the principles of the AOIP.

In this regard, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the need for constructive cooperation to foster an environment favourable for robust and sustainable recovery. She, therefore, suggested three areas where ASEAN and Canada can strengthen their partnership to promote enhanced regional connectivity and sustainable development, namely (1) digital transformation through the development of digital economy, digital infrastructure, and digital manpower, as well as the incubation of digital startups and MSMEs; (2) green growth with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model as part of the strategy; and (3) inclusive growth to narrow the development gap and promote women’s economic empowerment.

This year also celebrates the 45th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations, where both sides have expressed commitment to further strengthening their ties and working towards elevating their partnership to a strategic level.