According to a report by the Viet Nam-Canada Friendship Association, a hallmark of Ambassador Shawn Steil's tenure has been his dedication to cultural initiatives and people-to-people diplomacy. He has actively supported and promoted numerous cultural and artistic exchange programs, such as the musical collaboration between artists of the Vietnam National Academy of Music and renowned Canadian pianist and composer Matt Herskowitz (November 22, 2022), and the performance by the Ontario Center for Excellence in the Arts Choir at Hanoi University (April 17, 2025). These initiatives have significantly contributed to strengthening mutual understanding and laying a solid foundation for friendship between the peoples of both nations.
In the areas of economics, trade, and investment, Ambassador Steil has played a key role in fostering connections and promoting cooperation between the business communities of Viet Nam and Canada, with particular emphasis on small and medium enterprises. He has also championed educational collaboration, encouraging academic exchanges between universities and expanding opportunities for Vietnamese students to study in Canada. His regular engagement with the Vietnamese alumni community in Canada has further deepened bilateral ties.
Beyond these areas, he has been a strong advocate for initiatives addressing climate change adaptation, natural resource conservation, gender equality, women’s empowerment, humanitarian aid, and improved livelihoods and living standards in various localities across Viet Nam.
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| President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son (R) presents the "For Peace and Friendship among Nations" medal to Canadian Ambassador to Viet Nam Shawn Steil on June 25 in Hanoi. (Photo: Dinh Hoa) |
Speaking at the ceremony to award the "For Peace and Friendship among Nations" medal to Ambassador Shawn Steil, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son highly appreciated the Ambassador's contributions in promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. He thanked the Ambassador and the Embassy for their participation and coordination with the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, especially in the organization of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Canada (August 21, 1973 - August 21, 2023) and the working visit in Canada of the Viet Nam - Canada Friendship Association delegation (November 21 - 27, 2023).
The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations will continue to cooperate with the Canadian Embassy in Viet Nam and hopes to continue working with Ambassador Shawn Steil in his new role.
According to Ambassador Shawn Steil, cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges are the long-term, sustainable seeds for the friendship between the two countries. The Ambassador said that the level of trust and cooperation between Canada and Viet Nam is constantly increasing thanks to the joint efforts of both sides. He expressed his belief that the friendship between the two countries will continue to achieve positive results in the years to come.
Source: Vietnamtimes
