Vietnam-Argentina relationship to grow further: Ambassador
Argentinian Ambassador to Vietnam Luis Pablo Maria Beltramino has expressed his hope that the bilateral relationship will further thrive in the time ahead, in a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
Fifty years ago, Argentina was one of the first countries in Latin America to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam, following the signing of the Paris Agreement in 1973, the ambassador told the VNA on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (October 25, 1973).
He stressed that Vietnam has then become an important partner of Argentina in Southeast Asia thanks to the reciprocity of their economies, good political relations, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
The two countries’ opening of their embassies in respective capital cities in the 1990s, along with frequent high-level visits has provided strong momentum to promote their political, economic, and cultural ties, the ambassador continued.
Notably, after the two countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive partnership in 2010, bilateral ties have seen significant and positive developments across spheres, he said, stressing that the good relations have been maintained in all the three pillars of political dialogue, trade, and technical cooperation.
Regarding the political dialogue, Beltramino recalled the exchange of visits by high-ranking leaders of the two countries since 1997, with the latest official visit to Argentina by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue in April 2023.
The two countries have also established a number of cooperation/consultation mechanisms and signed many agreements that serve as the foundation for them to strengthen their comprehensive cooperation, he said.
For the bilateral trade ties, the ambassador said the revenue has grown 700% within 10 years, and that ministries and agencies of both sides have enhanced collaboration in traditional areas while expanding it in such new fields as energy and mining.
The two countries have achieved fruitful technical cooperation over the past two decades, with 15 joint projects rolled out in various sectors, including agriculture, where both has strength, he went on.
Beltramino stressed that last year, Vietnam was Argentina's sixth-largest trade partner and the fifth-largest export market globally, and also a key partner in Argentina's South-South cooperation in Southeast Asia. At the same time, Argentina was Vietnam's third-largest trade partner in Latin America.
Argentina stands ready to diversify its exports to meet Vietnam’s demand and, in return, Vietnam offers a range of high-quality goods such as technology, textiles-garments, and footwear, to the South American market, he said, adding that ample room remains for the two sides to step up the trade ties, for sustainable development of both nations.
Pointing to the current global challenges, the diplomat hailed the two countries’ mutual support over the past time, and suggested them continue working together to seek solutions to the global issues.
About the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties, the ambassador recalled political and cultural events since April, noting that more activities will be held in the time ahead.
