Uzbekistan, Vietnam boost bilateral ties in fields of their strengths
VOV.VN - Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks in Hanoi on March 18 with his visiting Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov who is on an official visit to Vietnam from March 17-19.
It is the first visit to Vietnam by an Uzbek foreign minister since both countries established diplomatic ties in 1992, Son said, adding that the trip gave an opportunity for the two sides to review and agree on directions and measures to promote the longstanding friendship and to promote practical bilateral cooperation in areas of their strengths.
He acknowledged the impressive growth of bilateral trade between 2021 and now, averaging over 30% per year. Last year’s bilateral trade hit US$159.7 million, up 32% on-year.
Vietnam always treasures its relations with traditional friends, including Uzbekistan, Son affirmed, hoping that both countries will continue to solidify their political foundation and sound relations, adding fresh impetus to stepping up cooperation in line with their needs, desires, and strengths.
Saidov, in turn, applauded the results of Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and “bamboo” diplomacy, which have contributed to enhancing its position in the region and the world.
Vietnam is among Uzbekistan's traditional and important partners in the region, he said, while expressing his desire to deepen the bilateral collaboration towards effectiveness, especially in economy, trade, investment, agriculture, and education.
Saidov expected that Vietnam would act as a bridge to help Uzbekistan further augment its cooperation with the region, including the expansion of joint work between ASEAN and Central Asia.
The two FMs exchanged information on their respective country’s socio-economic development, major external policy directions, while reviewing the bilateral cooperation and the implementation of agreements reached by high-level leaders.
They agreed that the Vietnamese and Uzbek foreign ministries need to maintain their information exchange mechanism, increase coordination, and play a coordinating role to connect the two nations' ministries and agencies to fully tap potential and seek new collaboration opportunities.
On this occasion, Son thanked Uzbekistan for offering favourable conditions for the Vietnamese expat community in the country.
