Vietnam wishes to further strengthen relations with Argentina

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue with delegates

On the morning of April 25, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , Foreign Trade and Religious Affairs of Argentina in the capital Buenos Aires, an event was held to celebrate "50 years of Vietnam-Argentina diplomatic relations: Present and future." National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue delivered an important speech at the event.

The high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese National Assembly, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Argentine House of Representatives Eduardo Valdes; Director of the Diplomatic Academy, Ambassador Eduardo Lionel Demayo; representatives of relevant agencies of the two countries, and diplomatic missions of countries in Argentina attended.

Important milestone continues to expand cooperation

In his welcoming speech, Director of the Diplomatic Academy, Ambassador Eduardo Lionel Demayo emphasized that Argentina considers Vietnam an important partner in the Asian region and believes that there are still many opportunities for cooperation and mutual support between the two countries.

The two countries established a Comprehensive Partnership in 2010 and have expanded many areas of cooperation. Argentina wishes to establish a strategic partnership in a number of areas, contributing to further deepening economic and trade relations, of which the important area is food and foodstuffs.

Ambassador Eduardi Lionel Demayo also shared Argentina's current foreign policy views, saying that the two countries have shared similar views at a number of international forums. Ambassador Eduardo Lionel Demayo said that in order to continue maintaining political dialogue, the two sides have established a political consultation mechanism between the two countries' foreign ministries, to promote environmental protection and combat climate change...

In 2021, through an online meeting, the two sides agreed on the principles of establishing a strategic partnership in each field and continued to negotiate cooperation documents in the coming time.

Thanking Vietnam for supporting Argentina's stance on a number of international issues as well as the cooperation mechanism between Argentina and ASEAN, Ambassador Eduardo Lionel Demayo said that Argentina has transferred technology to Vietnam in identifying martyrs, agriculture, poultry farming, dairy products, supporting the development of rice varieties resistant to salinity, soybean seeds, science and technology, digital transformation, communications, and training.

Emphasizing that over the past 50 years, the two sides have promoted relations in many fields, Ambassador Eduardo Lionel Demayo said that there are many more fields in which the two countries continue to strengthen cooperation such as: culture, people-to-people exchange, and international issues of mutual concern.

The visit of the National Assembly Chairman shows the desire and efforts to deepen and unify the roadmap to strengthen the cooperative relationship between the two countries in the coming time.

Accelerate new economic cooperation and linkage initiatives

At the beginning of his speech, the National Assembly Chairman expressed his pleasure at being given the opportunity to speak at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Religion - where the country's great diplomats, talented economists and erudite intellectuals gather; and shared some thoughts on three issues: The world situation; Vietnam's foreign policy and situation; Vietnam-Argentina relations.

The National Assembly Chairman highlighted the great advantages and potentials as well as the challenges that the world is facing from climate change and global economic recession; energy and food crises, conflicts and wars...; the importance of solidarity and international cooperation to join hands in responding to global challenges; finding peaceful solutions to disputes and disagreements on the basis of respecting each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, political institutions, respecting the United Nations Charter and international law.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue delivered a policy speech on '50 years of Argentina-Vietnam diplomatic relations: Present and future.'

The National Assembly Chairman also highlighted the need for strong commitments and practical actions to promote multilateralism and international law-based order; and affirmed that peace, cooperation, development and progress are the common burning aspirations of all nations.

“Without peace, there can be no development and progress! We need to make great efforts and uphold our responsibility to the international community to build peace and cooperation, considering it the dominant trend and main stream of our time!” - The National Assembly Chairman emphasized.

The National Assembly Chairman emphasized the great opportunities from the trend of digital transformation, green economy, innovation, etc.; at the same time, he said that it is necessary to accelerate new economic cooperation and linkage initiatives at regional and global levels; continue efforts to promote the building of a new form of globalization that is fairer and more sustainable for all countries and economies.

According to the National Assembly Chairman, the challenges are huge, but they are also the driving force and opportunity for all countries and regions to innovate strongly and develop. In the era of the 4.0 industrial revolution, it seems that all countries, whether developed or developing, large or small, seem to be returning to the same starting point, because in the context of digital transformation, the strong development of artificial intelligence (AI) and the 4.0 industrial revolution, the future is no longer simply an extension of the past.

Therefore, all countries like Argentina and Vietnam, especially latecomers like Vietnam, still have a huge opportunity. In this process, Vietnam and Argentina in particular, and Southeast Asian and Latin American countries in general, have a very important role and contribution.

The National Assembly Chairman also shared about Vietnam's economic and social situation and foreign policy after nearly 37 years of implementing the comprehensive and synchronous Doi Moi process, initiated by the Communist Party of Vietnam since 1986.

From one of the poorest countries in the world, with about 95% of the population living in poverty and heavily devastated by war, Vietnam has achieved great and historic achievements, becoming a developing country, promoting industrialization, modernization and strong and deep international integration...

Vietnam consistently implements a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralization; proactively and actively integrates into the international community in a comprehensive, profound and effective manner.

The National Assembly Chairman stated: “In the context of increasingly fierce and complicated strategic competition among major countries, Vietnam is determined not to choose sides but to choose the right, based on international law. Vietnam proactively participates and promotes its role in regional and international multilateral mechanisms, especially ASEAN, the United Nations, UNESCO, APEC, ASEM, FEALAC..., actively and responsibly contributes with partners, contributing to building a peaceful and stable international order, ensuring the legitimate interests of all peoples, on the basis of respect for international law and the United Nations Charter.”

The National Assembly Chairman said that these great and historic achievements were the result of the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam - the Party founded by the great President Ho Chi Minh - and the outstanding efforts of all the Vietnamese people, along with the great support and assistance of international friends, including Latin American countries and Argentina.

In 2021, the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam elected the highest leadership body, headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and set two 100-year goals, crystallizing the great aspirations of the Vietnamese people. That is: by 2030, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party, Vietnam will become a developing country with modern industry and high average income; by 2045, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, it will become a developed country with high income.

In the cause of national renewal and international integration, the Vietnamese National Assembly plays a leading role in institutionalizing political policies and guidelines, deciding on important national issues, legislating and supervising the implementation of policies and laws; in which, the foreign affairs sector holds a very important position.

“We always give special priority to developing bilateral and multilateral parliamentary friendship and diplomatic cooperation in all forms, at all scales and levels, contributing to creating a sustainable political and social foundation for the country's foreign relations and international integration,” said the National Assembly Chairman.

Strong momentum brings bilateral relations to a new stage of development

According to the National Assembly Chairman, in the current complex world situation, in terms of economic development cooperation, the two countries need to complement and support each other according to the South-South cooperation mechanism to ensure food security, energy security, respond to climate change, connect supply chains, processing, manufacturing, agriculture, industry, connect sea routes, aviation, logistics... of both sides and all parties.

Vietnam hopes to work with Latin American countries to proactively seize opportunities to multiply strength and share responsibility, and together proactively and effectively resolve traditional and non-traditional security issues on land, at sea or in the air, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region and around the world.

The National Assembly Chairman affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to and wishes to promote mutually beneficial cooperation with the Latin American region. Vietnam currently has diplomatic relations with all 33 countries in the region, including traditional friends with long-standing ties, both in terms of history and sentiment, and sharing many similarities in tradition, culture and common interests. On his journey to find a way to save the country in the early 20th century, Vietnam's beloved President Ho Chi Minh stopped in Argentina and Uruguay.

“In any period, whether during the struggle for independence and national reunification or now, we have always been honored to receive the close solidarity and great and comprehensive assistance of the people of the world, including the people of Argentina and our loyal and steadfast Latin American friends who have given Vietnam sacred friendship and emotional devotion,” said the National Assembly Chairman.

With the forecast and vision for the next 10 years, the National Assembly Chairman said that Southeast Asia and Latin America have great potential and can completely become a reality to become new growth poles of the world. In the current international context, the two regions of Southeast Asia and Latin America need to strengthen their connections to realize the above potential.

Vietnam aims to consolidate and expand its network of bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements, and is ready to welcome quality foreign investment flows. On the other hand, Vietnam is increasing exports and overseas investment, with Latin America being a new focus.

Vietnam is ready to discuss with Mercosur member countries about soon building a free trade agreement, creating new opportunities to increase trade and investment, promote economic growth and expand cooperation between Vietnam and countries in the South American region.

Along with that process, Vietnam will continue to promote its role in ASEAN, striving to be the locomotive, gateway, and bridge for cooperation between ASEAN and Mercosur, especially in areas where both sides have strengths and the ability to complement each other.

Speech scene

In the Latin American region today, Cuba is still under pressure from the blockade and embargo. Once again, Vietnam calls for joint efforts to lift the embargo against Cuba. With a goodwill and constructive attitude, relevant parties should resume dialogue, enhance understanding, reduce differences and find areas to initiate mutually beneficial cooperation.

That is a new vision for new opportunities, to jointly develop new forces, new combined strength and to promote our new responsibilities in dealing with regional issues and current global responsibilities.

Milestone in Vietnam-Argentina relations

The National Assembly Chairman stressed that Vietnam attaches great importance to and wishes to further strengthen the Comprehensive Partnership with Argentina. 2023 is a milestone in the relationship between the two countries, celebrating 50 years of building and nurturing friendly relations.

The National Assembly Chairman emphasized: “If our President Ho Chi Minh firmly stated, 'Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom. We would rather sacrifice everything than lose our country and become slaves,' then General José de San Martín, the national hero of Argentina and the South American region, affirmed: 'Let us all be for freedom. We would rather die than become slaves.' That was a historic meeting of thoughts and actions that carried the beautiful truth as if it were a pre-arranged promise between the two countries.”

The National Assembly Chairman believes that those sacred, similar and emotional values are invaluable assets, organic natural glue and strong impetus to bring the relationship between the two countries to a new stage of development with a vision for the next 50 years, with 3 fundamental aspects.

Firstly, in terms of politics and diplomacy: continue to strengthen the relationship between the leaders of the two countries, through high-level visits and contacts at regional and international forums; strongly promote the role of the two countries' Parliaments and political parties. We appreciate the establishment of a friendship parliamentary group between the Argentine House of Representatives and the Vietnamese National Assembly; the two sides will strengthen cooperation to improve capacity. At the same time, promote the role of dialogue mechanisms, including political consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the role of representative agencies in each country; increase support and coordination at multilateral forums.

Vietnam will host the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians on the occasion of the 146th IPU Assembly (scheduled for mid-September 2023). The National Assembly Chairman hopes to welcome young Argentine parliamentarians in Vietnam, so that young people can think together, commit to act together for the development of the IPU; strengthen solidarity, improve capacity and expand young people's approach to issues of common concern.

Second, in terms of economy and trade: maximize the role of the Intergovernmental Committee, perfect the legal framework, especially agreements on double taxation avoidance, animal and plant quarantine, aviation services, open the most favorable markets for each other's goods; promote technical cooperation in agriculture, agricultural product processing; cooperate in lithium exploitation, green hydrogen production technology; connect the business communities of the two countries and encourage investment in each other's markets; consider and actively promote the opening of direct flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City to Buenos Aires; especially promote cooperation, connection between localities and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries; enhance tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

The two countries need to take advantage of free trade frameworks and agreements, especially Mercosur, CPTPP..., and at the same time move towards an FTA between Vietnam and Mercosur; seize opportunities for green, clean, sustainable, innovative and creative development where the two countries have strengths that can complement each other.

Third, on culture, education, and tourism: strengthen cooperation in education and training between universities and research centers. The National Assembly Chairman proposed that Argentina grant scholarships to Vietnamese students to study Spanish; promote delegation exchanges and cooperation in sports, especially cooperation between the two countries' football federations and some specific cooperation such as opening youth football training centers, friendly matches; increase the opening and dissemination of Spanish-language pages on major media institutions in Vietnam. Promote cooperation in tourism promotion, exchange of experiences in tourism management and development.

At the end of his speech, the National Assembly Chairman emphasized that the best way to predict the future is to create the future.

“To imagine what the Vietnam-Argentina relationship will be like 50 years from now, we must work together to promote and create the future of this relationship. When we unite, our will alone will definitely level all obstacles to reach the future. We have every reason to believe that our two countries and regions will cooperate more comprehensively, strongly and substantially, more closely and effectively, like the spirit of solidarity and teamwork of football and the spirit of harmonious coordination of the legendary Tango dance; on the invaluable historical foundation, together we will continue to write new and increasingly beautiful pages of history between Vietnam and Argentina in the book about the world in the next 10 years and 50 years,” said the National Assembly Chairman.

Important milestone to concretize the cooperation relationship

In his speech at the event, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Argentine House of Representatives Eduardo Valdés recalled the time when Vietnam and Argentina officially established diplomatic relations in 1973. Just a few days after the formation of the new government, one of the first tasks that President Peron immediately carried out was to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. To date, three Argentine Presidents have visited Vietnam.

Looking back over the past 50 years, the relationship between Vietnam and Argentina has achieved many achievements in 13 important cooperation channels. Vietnam is an important and strategic partner of Argentina in the world in terms of trade and bilateral trade relations have developed surprisingly. Over the past decade, the trade turnover between the two countries has increased by 600%, surpassing the milestone of over 4 billion USD. Vietnam is Argentina's 6th largest trading partner.

Mr. Eduardo Valdés emphasized that Vietnam is a country that is developing very positively in the world. The visit of the National Assembly Chairman is an important milestone for the two sides to concretize the cooperative relationship for the benefit of the people of the two countries; believes that the two sides can cooperate closely to bring closer the cooperation between Mercosur and Asia-Pacific; can establish a mechanism to continue promoting negotiations on areas such as storage technology for varieties of fruits, meat, pharmaceutical products... to be able to penetrate each other's markets.

The two sides have established a friendship parliamentary group between the two countries. The parliamentary group will be an important mechanism to further strengthen parliamentary relations. In addition, the cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Argentine House of Representatives reached during the visit is a leap forward in bilateral parliamentary cooperation and creates a dialogue mechanism to exchange information and experience in legislative fields of mutual interest.

On the same morning, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue and delegates from the two countries witnessed the signing ceremony of cooperation documents between the two countries, including: Agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters; Extradition Agreement; Agreement on transfer of sentenced persons; Professional cooperation agreement between Vietnam News Agency and Argentina's national news agency (Telam); Memorandum of understanding on promoting cooperation in the fields of trade and investment./.

According to VNA

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