Vietnam boosts diplomatic relations with Romania and Hungary

The two ministers showed delight at the strong development of the bilateral relationship, underlining the importance that the two sides attach to their traditional friendship.

Minister Son took the occasion to thank Romania for its support over recent times, especially during the negotiation and signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and Romania’s early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The officials briefed each other on their respective country’s situation and achievements in external affairs, highlighting the close and effective co-operation between the two ministries, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

They therefore consented to intensify all-level contacts and delegation exchanges as part of efforts to strengthen mutual understanding and political trust, as well as deepen the traditional friendship and fruitful ties that exist between the two countries across spheres.

They also concurred to maintain the regular political consultation mechanism between the two ministries, swiftly sign a new memorandum of understanding on linkages, and continue co-ordinating their stance at regional and international forums.

The ministers agreed to work to enhance ties between the two countries in economics, trade, labour, education-training, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

This comes after PM Chinh's visit to Hungary, where FM Son held talks with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó in Budapest, during which they engaged in in-depth discussion on measures aimed at fostering the Vietnam-Hungary comprehensive partnership, especially in politics-diplomacy, economics-trade-investment, labour, culture, tourism, and support to Vietnamese in the host country.

They also agreed to increase delegation exchanges at all levels and in all channels, rejoicing at the signing of an MoU between the two foreign ministries on this occasion.

Minister Son thanked Hungary for supporting the nation during the negotiation and signing of the EVFTA and being the first EU member to ratify the EVIPA. He suggested that Hungary, which is scheduled to take over the six-month presidency in the second half of 2024, urge other EU members to ratify the agreement, as well as the EC to early remove its “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood.

He suggested the two nations ramp up collaboration in traditional areas, particularly education-training, and culture-tourism, while also expanding it in such potential fields as innovation, energy transition and digital transformation.

Minister Szijjártó, for his part, called on Vietnamese businesses to scope out investment opportunities in Hungary and expressed his readiness to augment co-operation in labour between the two countries.

Regarding regional and international issues, they shared the view on the importance of handling disputes by peaceful measures, without using force or threatening to use force in line with international law.