Vietnam values its traditional friendship with Chile, the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said on August 25.
| Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (right) and his Chilean counterpart Alberto Van Klaveren. Photo: Baoquocte |
At the meeting with Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto Van Klaveren, Minister Son appreciated the development of the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries.
Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Chile has exceeded US$2 billion, he said, adding that Chile remains Vietnam's fourth largest trading partner in Latin America and Vietnam is Chile's largest trading partner in ASEAN.
Vietnam wants to deepen its relations with Chile in various fields, including politics, diplomacy, economy, trade and investment, culture, education, science, technology, security, defense and people-to-people exchanges, the Vietnamese official said.
He also reiterated Vietnam's support for Chile's efforts to strengthen ties with ASEAN and the East Asia-Pacific region.
For his part, Alberto Van Klaveren said he was pleased to visit Vietnam again as Chile's Foreign Minister. He admired Vietnam's significant achievements in the doi moi (renovation) process, nation-building, development and international integration.
The Chilean Foreign Minister said his government has always valued and sought to strengthen relations with Vietnam as part of its broader policy towards the Asia-Pacific region.
This is particularly important as Vietnam and Chile are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their bilateral free trade agreement (2014-2024) and both have become members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), he added.
The Chilean guest said his country wants to work with Vietnam to strengthen relations between the Pacific Alliance (comprising Chile, Mexico, Colombia and Peru) and ASEAN.
During the talks, the two ministers agreed to coordinate high-level visits, make effective use of mechanisms, and address challenges in bilateral relations to facilitate market access for each other's products and other measures to further deepen bilateral relations.
They also reviewed and agreed to negotiate new agreements and advance a number of existing ones in the areas of trade, customs, agriculture, defense, security, and law enforcement.
They pledged to maintain coordination and mutual support in international organizations and multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations.
Regarding international and regional issues, the two ministers concurred that international disputes should be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international laws, thus contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the two regions and the world.
Chilean Foreign Minister Van Klaveren will continue his agenda in Vietnam until tomorrow (August 27), where he will meet with other senior Vietnamese officials. His visit aims to advance the Vietnam-Chile Comprehensive Partnership, promote high-level exchanges and bilateral relations, and strengthen cooperation in agriculture, culture, tourism, education, science and technology, climate change response, public transport and urban infrastructure.
The visit also aims to continue the effective implementation of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Vietnam and Chile officially established diplomatic relations on March 25, 1971. Despite the vast geographical distance, the two nations have always maintained an intimate and strong bond.
The long-standing traditional friendship serves as a solid foundation for the strong development of trustworthy and cooperative relations between Vietnam and Chile over the past half century, especially since the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership in 2007.
The Vietnam-Chile FTA (effective January 2024), together with both countries' membership in the CPTPP, provides a favorable basis for strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Vietnam and Chile regularly and effectively maintain cooperation mechanisms, such as the political consultation between the two foreign ministries (seventh meeting in Hanoi, October 2022) and the bilateral free trade council (fifth meeting, online, June 2024).
