Further promoting the friendly relationship between Vietnam and the Commonwealth of Dominica

On the afternoon of May 28, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong had a meeting and worked with Mr. Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Also attending was Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Ha Van Sieu.

Sending his greetings to Mr. Vince Henderson, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong emphasized that since the two countries officially established diplomatic relations in 2013, the relationship between Vietnam and the Commonwealth of Dominica has made steady progress in many fields, especially in culture, sports and tourism. The relationship between the two countries has had positive changes with many visits, working sessions and high-level contacts between the two sides.

Deputy Minister Ho An Phong and Minister Vince Henderson

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong said that Vietnam is a country with a double-digit annual tourism growth rate. In 2025, Vietnam is expected to welcome 20 million international visitors.

"We hope that the two countries will coordinate and create the best conditions to promote tourism and the image of Vietnam in Dominica and vice versa, contributing to promoting cultural, sports and tourism exchanges between citizens of the two countries" - Deputy Minister Ho An Phong shared.

In addition, the Deputy Minister also expressed his interest in sports that are developing strongly in Dominica such as Rugby, Baseball, etc. The Deputy Minister commented that Vietnam is a country with a great love for sports. Although the above sports are not yet popular, the introduction, support and cooperation between the two sides will help enrich the types of sports in Vietnam.

Sending thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong, Minister Vince Henderson sent congratulations on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day. Minister Vince Henderson affirmed that 50 years is a period of time that proves the strength of the Vietnamese people in defending and building the country.

Overview of the reception and working session

"I know Vietnam is a country with a long-standing culture and history. This is the second time I have had the good fortune to come to Vietnam. This helps me understand more clearly why you can develop so strongly. Between Vietnam and the Commonwealth of Dominica, despite the geographical distance, we have common values, the same desire to develop and preserve world peace" - Minister Vince Henderson affirmed.

It is known that the Commonwealth of Dominica is currently waiting for the approval of the Vietnamese Government to establish an Embassy in Hanoi. According to Minister Henderson, this will contribute to promoting close cooperation between the two countries.

During the cooperation process, Vietnam and the Commonwealth of Dominica have agreed to exempt visas for diplomatic and official passport holders. Minister Henderson also expressed his hope that the two countries will move towards visa exemption for citizens holding ordinary passports. In addition, students of the Commonwealth of Dominica will be facilitated to study in Vietnam.

"I really hope that the Commonwealth of Dominica will become a gateway connecting Vietnam to countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. We are committed to supporting Vietnam in international forums such as WHO, UNESCO…." – Minister Henderson expressed.

Appreciating Minister Henderson's opinion, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong said that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will assign relevant agencies to research and develop a plan to closely coordinate with agencies of the Commonwealth of Dominica to further strengthen cooperation between the two sides.

Sending the wishes of Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung to Minister Henderson, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong said that Minister Nguyen Van Hung really hopes that the relationship between the two sides will continue to have more solid development steps in the future.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/thuc-day-hon-moi-quan-he-huu-nghi-giua-viet-nam-cong-dong-thinh-vuong-chung-dominica-20250528170323513.htm