Vietnam, Ukraine step up all-round cooperation

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Mykola Azarov immediately after the Hanoi welcome ceremony organized for the latter on November 16.

The two PMs informed each other about the socio-economic situation in their respective countries, applauded the successes of the bilateral relationship over the years, and discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern. They also turned their attention to measures that could potentially develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.

In response to media queries about the outcome of his talks, PM Dung cited the Ukrainian government leader’s first visit to Vietnam as contributing to the promotion of political reliability, traditional friendship, and equal, mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Ukraine.

The two government leaders underlined the need to maintain periodical political consultations at all levels and enhance relations between ministries, sectors, and localities to ensure agreements reached at higher levels are implemented properly.

They agreed that the two countries should fully exploit their complementary strengths, act positively to raise bilateral trade turnover, and expand investment in industrial sectors such as energy, hydro-electricity, and thermo-electricity.

The two PMs said they support and are willing to encourage businesses to exchange information and establish direct links to maximise cooperative efficiency.

Dung noted Vietnam is ready to create the best possible conditions for Ukrainian businesses to engage in direct investment projects in Vietnam that capitalise on Ukrainian strengths and needs.

Host and guest also agreed to advance cooperation in military techniques, agriculture, banking, education and training, science and technology, and tourism.

Dung thanked Ukrainian leaders and authorities for the support they have offered the Vietnamese community in Ukraine, helping consolidate the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

After the talks, the two PMs witnessed the signing of cooperation documents on tourism, post-graduate education, and appropriate quality measurement standards.

At the reception for the Ukrainian guest on the same day, President Truong Tan Sang reiterated the importance Vietnam places on the traditional friendship with Ukraine and thanked the Ukrainian Government and people for their valuable assistance to Vietnam in the past.

He said he hopes that Ukraine will continue supporting Vietnam as it pursues its current phase of national construction.

President Sang praised the outcome of the talks between the two PMs, noting that both sides must enhance economic and trade cooperation and sign a free trade agreement (FTA) soon to raise their two-way trade turnover to a higher level.

The two countries need to broaden cooperation in energy, hydro-electricity, heavy industry, and defence to take advantage of Ukraine’s strengths. Vietnam is willing to share its experiences in seafood exploitation and agriculture, Sang said.

Ukrainian PM Azarov said he hopes the cooperative relations between the two countries will grow considerably in the near future, propelled by an FTA and an investment protection agreement.

Intensifying cooperation in shipbuilding and seafood exploitation will serve as key foundations for the two sides’ increased trade and economic cooperation to be built upon.

PM Azarov also conveyed an invitation to visit Ukraine from the Ukrainian President to President Sang.