Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai: Half a century of steady companionship, Vietnam-Mexico relations are ready to 'take off'

Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai presentsthe President 's letter of credentials to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on March 19. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico)

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Mexico diplomatic relations (May 19, 1975 - May 19, 2025), Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Van Hai shared with The Gioi and Viet Nam Newspaper the highlights of bilateral relations over the past half century, and pointed out directions for key areas between the two countries that need to be strengthened to create breakthroughs in the new period.

Mexico was one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam after our country was reunified. What are the outstanding achievements in the half-century of cooperation between the two countries, Ambassador?

Less than three weeks after the historic victory of April 30, 1975, Mexico was one of the first Latin American countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam on May 19, 1975. This was not only a diplomatic decision from the friend, but also a profound demonstration of solidarity, sympathy and companionship between two nations that love peace, independence, freedom and justice.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Van Hai. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico)

Over the past 50 years, the bilateral relationship has been nurtured and developed on the basis of political trust, friendship, sincere cooperation and mutual respect. With that good foundation, Vietnam-Mexico cooperation has been increasingly expanded and achieved practical results in many fields, of which economy and trade are the outstanding highlights.

Regarding political and diplomatic relations , the two countries maintain a political consultation mechanism at the Deputy Foreign Minister level, periodically review the level of cooperation and remaining issues, and propose measures to promote bilateral relations.

The two sides also actively exchanged delegations at all levels through various channels, including the Party and National Assembly channels, maintained dialogue and high-level meetings, most recently the meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (November 2024).

Currently, Vietnam and Mexico are negotiating many agreements/treaties to create a legal framework for the sustainable and long-term development of bilateral relations.

In the economic and trade field , Mexico is currently Vietnam's second largest trading partner in Latin America, while Vietnam is Mexico's eighth largest trading partner in Asia.

Since the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) came into effect, bilateral trade has grown impressively, increasing by an average of 15% per year.

To promote economic cooperation, the two countries have established a Joint Committee on Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation; three meetings have been held so far. According to Mexican statistics, total bilateral trade turnover in 2024 will reach 15 billion USD, an increase of 27.5% compared to 2023.

Regarding cultural and educational cooperation, Vietnam and Mexico signed an agreement on cooperation in this field in 2002. Cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges are developing positively, becoming a sustainable bridge connecting the two nations, contributing to narrowing the geographical distance, deepening mutual understanding and fostering good feelings between the people of the two countries.

Regarding security and defense, the two sides completed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to exchange experiences in strengthening national defense capacity, participating in United Nations peacekeeping, search and rescue, and preventing transnational crimes. Vietnam has opened a Defense Attaché Office in the capital of Mexico (December 2024) to promote cooperation in this field.

Looking back over the past half century, with a rich history and tradition, the outstanding achievements in bilateral cooperation will be a solid foundation for the two countries' relationship to take off in the coming time. After 50 years of developing relations, it is time for both sides to consider and elevate the Vietnam-Mexico relationship to a new level in order to create a new framework and space for development of the relationship between the two countries.

Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai and embassy staff offered flowers at the statue of Uncle Ho in the Mexican capital. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico)

What activities and events has the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico been implementing in this special year?

The 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Mexico diplomatic relations is a major event, which both sides pay great attention to and closely coordinate when organizing commemorative activities to deepen the friendship and cooperation between the two traditional friends, clearly demonstrating the commitment to jointly develop bilateral relations in both breadth and depth in the coming time.

The commemorative activities, when planned and organized in each country, have the support, companionship and backing of relevant agencies at both central and local levels, contributing positively to the success of each event. The two sides also plan to organize many activities throughout the year to mark this important event.

In Mexico, with the support and assistance from your relevant agencies, the Vietnamese Embassy successfully organized a number of events such as “Vietnam Cultural Day” in the Mexican capital from March 29-30; Workshop on President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam’s policies, combined with the opening of the Vietnam Corner with a photo exhibition and enjoying Vietnamese cuisine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) on May 14.

In the near future, the Embassy will solemnly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Mexico diplomatic relations on May 19; Vietnam Week in the Mexican Senate will start from May 28. In addition, the Embassy is actively supporting the Voice of Vietnam to cooperate with the Mexican Radio Institute to soon exchange broadcast programs in May on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of relations.

Other activities that the Embassy will focus on promoting in the coming time include: organizing the 8th Political Consultation and the 4th meeting of the Joint Committee on Economics, Trade and Investment, combined with the Vietnam Goods Exhibition; the Painting Exhibition "Vietnam: A Promising Destination" in the Mexican capital; publishing a Special Issue on 50 Years of Vietnam-Mexico Diplomatic Relations; working with major, reputable local media agencies to publish articles celebrating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Mexico diplomatic relations...

The above commemorative activities will certainly contribute to enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries, promoting trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchange, consolidating the foundation for comprehensive, long-term, sustainable cooperation and increasingly bringing practical benefits to both Vietnam and Mexico.

Photo exhibition 'Charming and dynamic Vietnam' at Central Avenue in Mexico City. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico)

Mexico is currently Vietnam’s second largest trading partner in Latin America, while Vietnam is Mexico’s second largest trading partner in ASEAN. What can the two countries do to further deepen their economic and trade relations in the coming period?

Economic and trade cooperation is a key pillar of the Vietnam-Mexico relationship. The potential and room for cooperation between the two sides in this field is still very large. In order for bilateral economic and trade relations to develop more strongly, we must make good use of the strengths that the two countries currently have.

First of all, it is political trust stemming from similarities in historical and cultural traditions, sharing common values ​​of independence, self-reliance, love of peace, freedom and justice as well as aspirations for development and advancement.

Second , the economies of both countries are open, dynamic, have a position in the international arena and are both members of the CPTPP Agreement. Therefore, it is necessary to exploit the incentives of the Agreement as well as the complementary nature of the two economies so that bilateral economic, trade and investment relations develop strongly, in balance, bringing practical benefits and efficiency.

Third, it is necessary to further promote the mechanism of dialogue and economic cooperation through the activities of the Joint Committee on Economy, Trade and Investment to review and resolve existing problems; at the same time, expand economic relations to new areas where both sides still have a lot of potential such as cooperation in basic industries, agriculture and high value-added industries, innovation, digital transformation, green transformation, etc.

Fourth , actively support businesses of each country when exploring investment and business opportunities in each other's markets by providing full information, introducing and connecting business partners.

Finally, special attention is paid to optimizing logistics systems and transport connections to reduce costs and increase trade efficiency.

Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai and Chairman of Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee Vo Van Minh visited and worked in San Luis Potosí state. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico)

During your time working in Mexico, what special impressions did the Ambassador have about the country and its people? According to the Ambassador, what can the two countries do to promote cultural and historical values ​​and promote people-to-people exchanges, especially with the young generation of the two countries today?

Although I have only worked in Mexico for nearly a year, I clearly feel and am very impressed by the rich historical and cultural traditions of this country, the openness and hospitality of the local people.

The similarities in historical traditions and cultural values ​​between two nations half a world apart also left special impressions and emotions in me. Both have thousands of years of history, unique cultures and are multi-ethnic countries (Mexico has 68 ethnic groups, while Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups).

The cuisine of both countries is rich and diverse with distinct characteristics of each region. Both countries have beautiful landscapes with many sites recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as world natural and cultural heritages.

Notably, both countries gained independence from colonialism, both love freedom, peace, justice and have foreign policies that respect the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, self-determination of nations, and do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. Currently, both are implementing major programs and plans with the highest determination to bring their countries into a new era of development.

To enhance the promotion of cultural and historical values ​​and promote people-to-people exchanges, especially with the young generations of the two countries, there needs to be a new bilateral agreement on cultural and educational cooperation focusing on the future generations of the two countries.

Currently, twinning activities between localities/cities of Vietnam and Mexico have not been promoted. Therefore, in the coming time, attention should be paid to promoting exchange and cooperation activities between localities of the two countries.

At the same time, cultural and people-to-people exchanges can be further developed through each side sending delegations to participate in each other's major festivals and cultural and artistic events; participating in tourism promotion activities, fairs, exhibitions, etc.; signing programs for student and expert exchanges and cooperation between universities and research institutes, etc.

In addition, it is necessary to promote and communicate activities so that people of the two countries, especially the young generation, can increase mutual understanding through accessing and updating information in different forms suitable for each age and level.

Thank you very much Ambassador!

"The relationship between the two countries over the past 50 years has been nurtured and developed on the basis of political trust, friendship, sincere cooperation and mutual respect. With that good foundation, Vietnam-Mexico cooperation has been increasingly expanded and achieved practical results in many fields, of which economy and trade are the outstanding highlights." (Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai)

Booth promoting Vietnamese products and cuisine at the ASEAN Fair in Mexico City. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-nguyen-van-hai-nua-the-ky-vung-buoc-dong-hanh-quan-he-viet-nam-mexico-san-sang-cat-canh-314595.html