Vietnam, Uzbekistan deepen ties with focus on win-win cooperation
VOV.VN - Vietnam always values and desires to strengthen its friendship and win-win cooperation with its traditional partners, including Uzbekistan, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang stated during her phone talks with Uzbek counterpart Ilkhom Khaydarov on January 7.
The Vietnamese diplomat noted the positive progress in political and diplomatic relations between the two countries in recent years, marked by a series of exchanges at all levels, particularly the meeting between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the expanded BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.
Economic and trade cooperation has also made remarkable progress, with an average annual growth rate of 30%. Bilateral trade exceeded US$160 million in 2023, and it has continued to show a positive trend in 2024.
Khaydarov expressed his pleasure at the development of bilateral relations and emphasized Uzbekistan's readiness to collaborate with Vietnam to explore new avenues for further enhancing the traditional friendship and all-around cooperation. He also expressed his hope that Vietnam would share its experiences in economic development and success stories in specific fields.
Both officials agreed on the importance of continuing meetings and exchanges of delegations at all levels, particularly high-level meetings, to further strengthen political trust and build a foundation for advancing cooperation in areas where both countries have strengths and potential. Key areas of focus include trade, investment, tourism, transportation, education and training, and science and technology.
Vietnam expressed its willingness to act as a bridge for enhancing relations between Uzbekistan and ASEAN, while Uzbekistan pledged to help strengthen links between Vietnam and Central Asian countries.
Both sides consented to continue working closely together and offering mutual support at multilateral forums and international organizations, contributing to regional and global peace, stability, security, and development.
Regarding cooperation between the foreign ministries, Hang proposed that the two countries’ ministries strengthen their roles in connecting, promoting, and supporting exchanges among ministries, sectors, localities, and businesses to explore markets and establish direct partnerships, enhancing bilateral ties in a substantive and effective manner.
She also suggested that both sides reach an agreement on visa exemption for their citizens to promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges, which would further foster the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Uzbekistan.
Khaydarov agreed with Hang’s proposals and expressed his hope that the two countries would consider opening State offices and business representatives in each other’s territories to directly support and promote economic development in both nations
On the occasion, Khaydarov extended an invitation for Hang to visit Uzbekistan at an appropriate time for political consultations. Hang expressed her appreciation for the invitation and expressed her hope to visit Uzbekistan soon to directly discuss strengthening bilateral relations with Uzbek Foreign Ministry leaders.
