Top Vietnamese leader begins state visit to Ireland
VOV.VN - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and his delegation landed at Dublin Airport on October 1 (local time), beginning a state visit to Ireland at the invitation of Irish President Michael D. Higgins.
The Vietnamese delegation was greeted at the airport by Irish Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine Pippa Hackett, Chief of Protocol at the Department of Foreign Affairs Eamonn McKee, Mayor of Fingal Dublin Brian McDonagh, Ambassador to Vietnam Deirdre Ní Fhallúin, Vietnamese Ambassador to Ireland Do Minh Hung and his spouse, along with several staff members from the Vietnamese Embassy.
This is the first state visit since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1996. Ireland shares several similarities with Vietnam, particularly in terms of history, patriotism, resilience, and rich and unique culture. Ample room remains for their enhanced cooperation for mutual development.
The visit is expected to contribute to consolidating political trust and friendly relations; stepping up cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of economics, trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, education, training, and agriculture.
During the visit, both nations’ leaders will discuss a score of measures to intensify collaboration across multiple fields Vietnam has needs and Ireland holds strengths, including high-quality investment, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, energy transition, and education, especially higher education.
Ireland is now Vietnam's sixth largest trading partner among EU members, with last year’s two-way trade standing at US$3.5 billion and US$2.73 billion during the past seven months of 2024.
Regarding investment, Ireland is investing in 41 projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of US$44.32 million, ranking 61st out of 141 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.
The visit by General Secretary and President To Lam and his delegation will contribute to firmly consolidating the foundations of Vietnam's relations with Ireland, while exploring new areas and potential in cooperation with each country as a contribution to deepening relations with other countries in a more practical, effective and appropriate manner in alignment with the new situation.
