President expects Vietnam’s stronger ties with Thailand, Chile, Cuba, Russia

At the reception for Thai Ambassador Nikorndej Blankura, Phuc affirmed that Vietnam always attaches great importance to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Noting that Vietnam and Thailand are celebrating 45 years of their diplomacy in 2021, the President requested that the Ambassador closely collaborate with the two countries' relevant agencies in organizing appropriate commemorative programmes.

Ambassador Blankura took note of the Vietnamese President’s proposal, and said the Thai Prime Minister would visit to Hanoi and co-host a joint Cabinet meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control.

He vowed to work hard during his term in Vietnam to promote connectivity between the two countries’ business communities and raise their trade value to US$25 billion by 2025.  

While receiving Chilean Ambassador Patricio Becker, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasized that Vietnam has always considered Chile as a close and traditional friend during the past 50 years.

He said both countries have made efforts to constitute bilateral trade and investment cooperation frameworks through the signing of free trade agreements, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The President suggested that Chile cooperate with Vietnam in opening their markets for a number of agricultural products of each country such as rambutan and longan of Vietnam, and kiwi and pear of Chile. He also suggested that Chile soon ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Ambassador Becker assured his host that the relations between Chile and Vietnam would continue to develop strongly in the coming time. He noted that bilateral trade turnover still grew last year despite the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ambassador said he will try his best to further promote cooperation between the two countries during his working term in Vietnam.

Meeting with Cuban Ambassador Orlando Nicolás Hermández Guillén, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed that Vietnam and Cuba have treasured a very special, loyal and trustful relationship over the decades, and that Vietnamese leaders always attach great importance to developing such relationship with Cuba.

He suggested that the ambassador help promote contacts and visit exchanges between leaders of the two countries to boost bilateral cooperation in all areas. He expressed his desire to soon hold phone talks with Cuban First Secretary and President Miguel Díaz-Canel to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.

The President spoke highly of Cuba’s COVID-19 vaccine production advancement and expected Cuba would transfer its technology to Vietnam. He also reiterated Vietnam’s consistent stance of uniting and supporting Cuba in demanding an end to the embargo against this Caribbean nation.

Ambassador Guillén thanked Vietnam for helping Cuba ensure national food security, and vowed to work hard during his term to foster stronger ties between the two countries.  

Receiving Russian ambassador Gennady Bezdetko, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc said Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Vietnam considers Russia to be one of its key partners in its foreign policy and wants to increase cooperation in all areas with Russia, said Phuc.

He said he is delighted that the Russian Federation has over the years maintained political stability and socio-economic development, as well as consolidating its position as a great power in solving international and regional problems.

For his part, Ambassador Bezdetko affirmed Vietnam has always been a priority partner of the Russian Federation not only in Southeast Asia but also in the Asia-Pacific region. He said that he will make every effort during his term to promote multifaceted relations between the two sides.