Visiting Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet and his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet Jeria shared the view during talks at Moneda Palace in Santiago, Chile on Sept. 30.

They also expected that the BTA would continue to boost bilateral cooperation in agro-forestry, food processing, mining, bio-technology, banking, telecoms, poverty reduction and social welfare.

The two leaders agreed that multifaceted cooperation between the two countries in recent years has been fruitful, especially in terms of the exchange of visits by top leaders. They expressed their pleasure at the implementation of the signed agreements while addressing outstanding issues to tap the full potential of both countries.

They also agreed upon some measures to strengthen political and diplomatic ties by continuing the exchange of high-level visits and stepping up political consultancy between the two foreign ministries.

The Vietnamese and Chilean presidents agreed to put a Joint Governmental Committee into regular operation and expand collaboration in education and culture. The two countries will coordinate in organising exchanges in art and culture to celebrate their major anniversaries in 2010 - the 200^th Independence Day of Chile, the 65^th National Day of Vietnam and the 1,000^th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi.

On regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two leaders pledged to increase coordination and mutual assistance at international and multilateral forums and improve relations with countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America.

President Triet congratulated Chile on its socio-economic achievements over the past years, which confirmed Chile’s status as a leading nation in the Latin American region and raised its role and prestige in the international arena.

President Michelle Bachelet Jeria said that Chile values the importance of Vietnam’s position in the region and the world and is determined to further enhance friendship and cooperation with Vietnam.
President Triet invited his Chilean counterpart to visit Vietnam and the invitation was warmly accepted.

Meeting with media workers after the talks, the Chilean President said that Vietnam is a dynamic country in economic development and expressed his wish that Vietnam would actively consider joining the Trans-Pacific Free Trade Agreement.

President Triet stressed that Vietnam wants to comprehensively cooperate with Chile to develop and learn experiences from the country.

Also on Sept. 30, a ceremony was held at the Chilean capital’s Town Hall to present the title of Santiago de Chile’s Honorary Citizen to President Triet.

The same day, the Vietnamese State leader also had an exchange of views with Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of Chile Urbano Marin Vallejos.

Later in the evening, President Michelle Bachelet Jeria gave a banquet in honour of President Triet and the Vietnamese delegation.