Irish President expects stronger co-operation with Vietnam
VOV.VN - President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins has consented to enhance bilateral ties and connectivity with the nation across multiple fields, especially economics, people-to-people exchanges, and education-training.
At a reception held for visiting Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on February 28, the Irish President hailed Minister Son's official visit, the first made to Ireland by a Vietnamese Foreign Minister over the past more than 20 years. He also expressed his confidence that it will contribute to further deepening the friendship and all-around co-operation between the two countries.
He congratulated the country on its socio-economic achievements recorded over the past time, affirming the importance that Ireland attaches to the nation’s position and role in its strategy towards the Asia-Pacific region.
In response, the Vietnamese diplomat emphasized that the country always aspires to strengthen the bilateral friendship and comprehensive co-operation, saying that he hopes that through the visit, the two sides will review and outline major orientations and measures aimed at enhancing the relationship comprehensively and intensively, for the sake of their people.
The Minister suggested that the Irish President support joint efforts in terms of intensifying up all-level delegation exchanges and contacts, as well as voice his opinion for the Irish parliament to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
He expressed hope for stronger collaboration in education-training, as well as further culture and art exchanges, as well as connectivity between localities of the two countries.
Minister Son proposed the host leader continue his support for the Vietnamese side as a priority partner in development co-operation policies moving forward, as well as helping the country in human resources development, digital transformation, and high-tech agriculture.
Showing his elation at the strong, intensive, and extensive development of the Vietnam-Ireland co-operation, President Higgins agreed with Minister Son’s proposals to boost co-ordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, settle conflicts and disputes by peaceful measures in line with the UN Charter and international law. This is along with coping with global challenges like climate change and food security for sustainable development in each country, and for peace, co-operation, and development in the region and the world at large.
On this occasion, the Irish President commended contributions made by the Vietnamese community in Ireland to the country and pledged to create favourable conditions for them to further integrate into the host society, study, and work there, thereby serving as a bridge in the bilateral friendship.
