Argentina, Vietnam expect stronger comprehensive partnership
VOV.VN - Vietnam always places great importance on its relationship with Argentina and stays ready to work with the country to further develop their bilateral comprehensive partnership in a deeper and more effective manner.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son made the statement during his phone talks with his Argentinian counterpart Santiago Andrés Cafiero on April 18 to discuss a host of measures to reinforce bilateral relations towards the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023.
Both diplomats hailed the positive development of the Vietnam-Argentina Comprehensive Partnership, even amid complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two sides successfully organized the eighth political consultation at the deputy foreign ministerial level in May 2021 and the seventh meeting of the joint Government Committee on Economics, Trade and Investment in August 2021.
Last year’s bilateral trade surpassed US$4.5 billion, up 14.1% year-on-year. Argentina is currently Vietnam’s third largest trade partner in Latin America.
Minister Son suggested both sides give priority to intensifying visits by senior leaders, and making better use of economic-trade cooperation opportunities through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).
He also suggested Argentina offer more conditions for Vietnamese agricultural products such as coffee, fresh and dried fruits and Vietnam’s advantageous products like textiles, footwear, wooden furniture and construction materials to gain access to its market.
Son was appreciative of his Argentinian counterpart's proposal to consider the expansion of cooperation in other areas such as space technology, and biotechnology for agriculture and husbandry, and energy conversion.
The Vietnamese ministry will soon discuss with relevant ministries and sectors about the possibility of bolstering cooperation in these potential and practical fields, he added.
For his part, Minister Santiago Andrés Cafiero affirmed that his nation always appreciates Vietnam’s role and position in the region and the international arena, saying close and effective collaboration with Vietnam in both bilateral and multilateral aspects is viewed as an important factor behind its foreign policy in the Asian-Pacific region.
He said he will work hand in hand with the Vietnamese side towards the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.