Speaking at the ceremony held at Guatemala’s National Palace of Culture, Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai conveyed the warm greetings and friendly sentiments of Vietnamese senior leaders to President Bernardo Arévalo, and affirmed that Vietnam values and seeks to continue strengthening friendly relations and comprehensive cooperation with Guatemala as well as other Central American countries.

The ambassador said Vietnam stands ready to work closely with the Guatemalan government and relevant agencies to promote exchanges of delegations at all levels, strengthen political dialogue, and expand cooperation in economy, trade, investment, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchanges. He noted Guatemala’s potential and strengths in agriculture, exports and tourism, and expressed Vietnam’s wish to serve as a bridge for cooperation between Guatemala and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Southeast Asia.

President Bernardo Arévalo congratulated Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai on assuming his post and said the Guatemalan government looks forward to working closely with him to advance bilateral relations in a more substantive, effective and sustainable manner, for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

During his visit, Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai also held working sessions with the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of political parties, relevant agencies and local businesses.

At these meetings, he briefed the Guatemalan side on Vietnam’s situation, including preparations for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He said the congress is a particularly important political event that will help guide the country’s development in the new period, while demonstrating Vietnam’s resolve to continue renewal, deepen international integration and pursue sustainable development.

Leaders and representatives of Guatemalan agencies and organizations expressed interest in and appreciation of Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements in recent years, and extended congratulations and best wishes for the success of the 14th National Party Congress, voicing confidence that it would contribute to Vietnam’s continued stable development and a stronger international standing.

While in Guatemala, Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai also met with the Guatemalan Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and heads of units in charge of bilateral relations, and held exchanges with the business community and travel agencies to discuss specific measures to promote cooperation in economic, trade, investment and tourism.

Guatemala President lauds Vietnam’s development

President Alvaro Colom Caballeros has praised Vietnam’s development model as a bright example for developing countries to follow suit.