Promoting Vietnam-Bolivia relations based on practical and sustainable interests.

From August 4-8, the Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil and concurrently to Bolivia, Bui Van Nghi, led a delegation from the Embassy to participate in solemn activities commemorating the 200th anniversary of the independence of the multi-ethnic state of Bolivia, in the context of Bolivia preparing for its first presidential election on August 17. The trip also served as an opportunity to promote bilateral relations between Vietnam and Bolivia through a series of diplomatic, political, economic, cultural activities and people-to-people exchanges.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi attended the solemn ceremony commemorating the 200th anniversary of Bolivia's Independence Day.

The message reinforces political trust.

On August 6th, authorized by President Luong Cuong, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi officially attended the series of solemn activities commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Independence Day of the multi-ethnic state of Bolivia, at the invitation of President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora.

The ceremonies began early in the morning at the central square with a welcoming ceremony and honorary honors for President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, followed by the official flag-raising ceremony at the Casa de la Libertad – the historic building where Bolivia's Declaration of Independence was signed exactly two centuries ago.

Within the framework of the event, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi, along with heads of state and high-ranking representatives from many countries, attended a meeting with the President of Bolivia. On this occasion, the Ambassador conveyed the congratulations of President Luong Cuong and high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to the State and people of Bolivia on this important holiday, and affirmed the determination to continue promoting bilateral relations and cooperation to become increasingly effective, in-depth, practical, and efficient.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi greets Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce Catacora.

The Ambassador attended the Honorary Session held in the Independence Hall of the House of Freedom, with the presence of the Vice President of Bolivia, the President of the multi-national National Assembly, and numerous international leaders. The Vietnamese Ambassador's participation in these high-level events not only demonstrates Vietnam's appreciation for its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Bolivia, but also sends a message of solidarity and support for the independent and self-reliant development path of the Bolivian people. This is also an important opportunity to strengthen high-level diplomatic connections, consolidate political trust, promote bilateral cooperation, and affirm Vietnam's positive role in the international community.

Later that day, the Ambassador met and held discussions with the Bolivian Foreign Minister, conveying greetings and congratulations from the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on the occasion of Bolivia's 200th Independence Day; attended the official photo session at the campus of the Royal University of Law; and participated in a grand reception at the San Felipe Neri Monastery with high-ranking leaders and representatives of the Bolivian government. The Ambassador's presence at this important event further affirms Vietnam's commitment to strengthening friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Bolivia in particular and the Latin American region in general, contributing to promoting multilateral diplomacy for peace, development, and common prosperity.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi and Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda.

On the sidelines of the event, the Ambassador conducted numerous bilateral meetings with high-ranking leaders, leaders of ministries and departments, and the Chairman of the Communist Party of the host country.

Earlier, on August 5th, at the Casa de la Libertad in Sucre, Bolivia's judicial capital, Bolivian Vice President David Choquehuanca Céspedes received and had a working breakfast with Ambassador Bui Van Nghi and the embassy delegation.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on measures to develop bilateral relations in a substantive, effective, and in-depth manner. In an open atmosphere, the Vice President of Bolivia expressed his gratitude for the presence of Ambassador Bui Van Nghi, representing President Luong Cuong, at this important commemorative event.

Expressing admiration for Vietnam's struggle for independence, as well as its Doi Moi (Renovation) process and international integration, he said he was particularly impressed by Vietnam's spirit of progress, its achievements in protecting, building, and developing the country towards greater prosperity, and its increasingly high position and prestige in the international arena; he also extended his congratulations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945 – September 2, 2025).

The Vice President highly appreciated the continuous exchange channels between the two governments, especially the recent political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and Bolivia. He affirmed that the potential for economic and trade cooperation between the two countries is enormous, with much room for development. Bolivia is ready to open its mining industry to Vietnamese businesses, from metal ores such as iron, copper, tungsten, and tin to rare earth elements and lithium; and to export agricultural and forestry products such as quinoa, soybeans, corn, logs, and raw timber for Vietnam's consumption, production, and processing needs. Bolivia has a need to import motorcycles, electric bicycles, footwear, clothing, and various types of rubber tires for cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

In the context of Bolivia's upcoming presidential election on August 17th, the Vice President emphasized that, regardless of which candidate wins and leads the country in the future, Bolivia will continue to consider Vietnam an important partner in Asia and in South-South cooperation. This is even more significant given that both Vietnam and Bolivia are partner countries of the BRICS group of emerging economies.

For his part, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi conveyed the warm congratulations of the high-ranking leaders of Vietnam to the Government and people of Bolivia on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of their National Day – a momentous historical milestone, affirming the spirit of independence, self-reliance, and solidarity of Bolivia.

Building on the foundation of traditional friendly relations between the two countries, which have been firmly established and strengthened through Party, State, and people channels, and are constantly being reinforced and developed, the Ambassador affirmed that Vietnam is ready to expand imports of raw materials from Bolivia, especially strategic products for industrialization, high technology, and sustainable development in the future, such as iron ore, copper, and lithium.

At the same time, according to the Ambassador, Vietnam wishes to increase exports of its strong export items such as textiles, footwear, rice, seafood, coffee, wood products and processed products, smartphones, electronic computers and components… to meet Bolivia's needs.

In addition, the Ambassador requested Bolivia's support for Vietnam in the process of negotiating and signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the MERCOSUR bloc, maintaining and strengthening exchanges of high-level and other delegations, and promoting coordination and mutual support in multilateral forums.

In the context of the current global situation, both sides agreed on the need to diversify and multilateralize economic and trade partnerships, and agreed to develop economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Bolivia in a substantive and effective manner, aiming to elevate bilateral relations to a new level commensurate with political and diplomatic relations in the future; expanding cooperation in multiple fields, from economy and trade, science and technology, education and training to environmental protection, and maintaining regular dialogue mechanisms at all levels to further deepen, strengthen, and enhance the effectiveness of Vietnam-Bolivia relations.

Bolivian Vice President David Choquehuanca Céspedes received Ambassador Bui Van Nghi and the delegation from the Embassy.

Strengthening exchanges and diplomacy through Party channels.

On the same day, August 5th, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi held a meeting with the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Bolivia, Ignacio Mendoza Pizarro.

During the meeting, First Secretary Ignacio Mendoza Pizarro expressed his pleasure at the positive results in relations between the two Parties in recent years, particularly boosted by the visit of Comrade Le Hong Quang, Member of the Central Committee of the Party, Secretary of the An Giang Provincial Party Committee, who led a delegation to Bolivia in 2023. He stated that the exchange of delegations, sharing of theories, and coordination in international forums have contributed to strengthening mutual understanding and trust.

Secretary Ignacio Mendoza Pizarro expressed particular interest in Vietnam's foreign policy and its Doi Moi (Renovation) and open integration model, especially how Vietnam attracts and improves its investment and business environment while maintaining balanced relations with major countries in the region and around the world. He said Bolivia wishes to exchange and learn from this experience, especially now that Vietnam has become a partner of the BRICS bloc.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi conveyed General Secretary To Lam's greetings to the leaders and members of the Communist Party of Bolivia, introduced the plan to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day in Hanoi on September 2nd; reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to cooperation and maintaining good relations with the Communist Party, left-wing parties, as well as ruling parties and other political parties in Bolivia, and supported the development of Vietnam-Bolivia relations and the friendship and solidarity between the people of the two countries.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi met with the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Bolivia, Ignacio Mendoza Pizarro.

Later that afternoon, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi held a meeting with Bolivian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Esteban Elmer Catarina Mamani to discuss the current political situation in Bolivia.

The ambassador affirmed that Vietnam always values ​​and desires to develop a comprehensive partnership with Bolivia, regardless of changes in the ruling political party. Accordingly, Vietnam will maintain and strengthen dialogue channels with all political forces, especially socialist and left-wing parties, to ensure continuity and stability in bilateral relations.

During the exchange, the Ambassador shared Vietnam's experience of international integration, from overcoming the embargo to becoming an active and responsible member of the international community, as a testament to the importance of stable, long-term cooperation and flexible adaptation to the global context.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia, Esteban Elmer Catarina Mamani.

On August 6th, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi, along with other heads of diplomatic missions, participated in the "Ambassador's Journey," an activity with significant networking value between nations in Surce, organized by the Chuquisaca provincial government.

The image of the Ambassador planting a commemorative tree along the Ambassadors' Walk and participating in the coin-making ceremony is not only a symbolic ritual but also a powerful message about the enduring friendship and commitment to building a green and sustainable future between Vietnam and Bolivia.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi participated in exchange activities between local authorities and diplomatic delegations.

Later that evening, at Independence Square, the Ambassador interacted with local leaders and international delegations, further strengthening trust and expanding bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Bolivia, while also spreading the spirit of international solidarity.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi attended the exchange program between international delegations.

Connect with prominent businesses and associations in Bolivia.

On August 7th, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi chaired a meeting with the Bolivian business community, bringing together representatives from industry associations, economic groups, and potential investors in Santa Cruz. In an open atmosphere, the Ambassador provided an overview of Vietnam's socio-economic development achievements, its stable investment environment, its open trade policies, and its increasingly prominent position in the global supply chain.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi met with several prominent Bolivian businesses.

Emphasizing the potential for bilateral cooperation in areas of strength and complementarity, especially agricultural products, seafood, wood products, energy, and food processing, the Ambassador stated that Vietnam is ready to become a gateway for Bolivian goods to access the vast ASEAN market, while Bolivia can supply strategic raw materials to serve the needs of Vietnam's processing and high-tech industries.

At the meeting, the Ambassador presented the Decision of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son reappointing Mr. Miguel Angel Pérez Peña as Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Bolivia. This reappointment not only strengthens a direct economic diplomatic focal point in the host country but also creates a solid foundation for citizen protection, promotes business community connectivity, and effectively implements bilateral cooperation projects in the future.

Ambassador Bui Van Nghi presented the Decision of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on the reappointment of Mr. Miguel Angel Pérez Peña as Honorary Consul of Vietnam in Bolivia.

The meeting was not only about exchanging information, but also created a direct forum for businesses from both countries to seek partners, establish communication channels, and develop concrete cooperation plans. The business opportunities opened up here promise to contribute to diversifying import and export markets, increasing bilateral trade value, and strengthening Vietnam-Bolivia relations on a foundation of practical and sustainable benefits.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thuc-day-quan-he-viet-nam-bolivia-tren-nen-tang-loi-ich-thiet-thuc-va-ben-vung-323936.html