Expanding cooperation in scientific research and culture between Vietnam and Argentina

Professor, Dr. Le Van Loi, President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and Ambassador Marcos Antonio Bednarski at the meeting. (Photo: VASS)

In his opening speech, Professor, Dr. Le Van Loi gave an overview of the history, organizational structure and key research directions of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) in the current period. As President of VASS and Vice President of the Vietnam-Argentina Friendship Association, Mr. Le Van Loi especially emphasized the importance of the long-term friendship between the two countries.

Professor, Dr. Le Van Loi noted that Argentina was one of the first countries in Latin America to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1973, and this relationship was upgraded to Comprehensive Partnership in 2010.

The President of VASS emphasized: "Over the past time, the people of Argentina and the people of Vietnam have always sympathized, shared and supported each other in many fields. Although the geographical distance is quite far, that does not reduce the desire to strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two countries."

Regarding research cooperation, Professor, Dr. Le Van Loi proposed that research centers and scientific institutes of the two countries implement research programs on Vietnamese and Argentine studies, organize seminars, exchange scholars and carry out common projects. In particular, the two sides can exchange experts, send scientists and lecturers to study, teach and research in the partner country.

Great potential for cooperation

In response to the welcome, Ambassador Marcos Antonio Bednarski acknowledged the warm and respectful welcome of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. He expressed his impression of the position and pioneering role of VASS in the social sciences and humanities research system of Vietnam. The Ambassador emphasized the significance of celebrating more than half a century of diplomatic relations between the two countries and affirmed the great potential for the development of cooperation in research fields.

Regarding trade relations, the Ambassador said that Vietnam is currently Argentina's third largest trade partner in the Asia -Pacific region, after China and India.

Since President Javier Milei took office nearly two years ago, Argentina has implemented many policies to open the market, integrate into the international economy and encourage investment, creating favorable conditions for businesses of the two countries to strengthen cooperation and trade exchange. In the first 8 months of 2025 alone, Vietnam's export value to Argentina increased by more than 160%, reflecting the great potential in bilateral trade relations.

The Ambassador also informed that the 8th meeting of the Vietnam-Argentina Intergovernmental Committee was held online on the same morning, contributing to determining specific cooperation directions for the coming time and further consolidating the foundation of friendly relations between the two countries.

VASS President Le Van Loi presents a souvenir painting to Ambassador Marcos Antonio Bednarski. (Photo: VASS)

Promoting research and cultural cooperation

In his capacity as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Argentina to Vietnam, Mr. Bednarski affirmed his determination to play an active intermediary role, facilitating the establishment and development of cooperative links between VASS and research institutes, universities and scientific organizations of Argentina.

The Ambassador proposed promoting cooperation between research centers, institutes and universities of the two countries, aiming to enhance research on Vietnamese and Argentine studies through organizing seminars, exchanging scholars, sharing scientific documents and jointly conducting joint research projects. In addition, the two sides can also carry out activities to exchange delegations of leaders, scholars and experts to learn from each other's experiences.

Regarding cultural cooperation, the Ambassador said that Argentina has opened a representative office for the creative industry in Vietnam - an important milestone demonstrating the desire to enhance cultural and creative exchanges between the two peoples. The Ambassador also introduced Argentina's "La La La" program - a program to support the translation and publication of Argentine literary works to the world. Although the registration period has just ended, Argentina is ready to coordinate with Vietnam to prepare for the next round of review.

In particular, Argentina will organize many cultural exchange activities in Vietnam in the coming time, namely on November 23rd, participating in the International Food Festival organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a booth introducing typical traditional dishes; on December 11th: Celebrating International Tango Day, through an exchange performance program with international artists and partners.

Before concluding the meeting, Ambassador Bednarski proposed to organize a seminar or a thematic meeting this year with the participation of the VASS Institute for European and American Studies, so that he could have the opportunity to introduce the political situation, foreign policy, economy and health of Argentina, contributing to enhancing mutual understanding between the two sides.

Save memorable moments of the reception. (Photo: VASS)

Prospects for cooperation

During the in-depth discussion, VASS President Le Van Loi and Ambassador Bednarski agreed on the importance of building a network of connections between VASS's specialized research units and leading academic institutions in Argentina. In particular, the two sides emphasized the coordinating role of the International Cooperation Department and the Institute for European and American Studies in establishing communication channels with the Argentine scientific community.

Proposed cooperation activities include: organizing international scientific conferences on topics of mutual interest; implementing short-term training programs and exchanging experiences; promoting exchanges between experts, lecturers and researchers; developing joint research projects and publishing books and scientific journals; jointly organizing cultural and artistic events to introduce the cultural identity and people of each country.

Notably, the two sides also discussed research areas in which Argentina has strengths, such as high-tech agriculture, sustainable development, and socio-economic issues in the context of globalization. As a strategic partner of Vietnam in Latin America, Argentina will be an important bridge to help VASS expand its research vision in this region.

The meeting ended with many positive prospects for cooperation between VASS and Argentine partners. The friendly and open atmosphere of the meeting created a solid foundation for substantive cooperation activities in the future.

The two sides believe that through close coordination between the Institute for European and American Studies, the International Cooperation Department of VASS and the Embassy of Argentina in Vietnam, the ideas discussed during the meeting will soon be realized, opening a new chapter for scientific research cooperation between the two countries, while contributing to the sustainable development of the Vietnam-Argentina bilateral relationship.

KHAC KIEN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/mo-rong-hop-tac-nghien-cuu-khoa-hoc-van-hoa-viet-nam-argentina-post917192.html