Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) meets with Norwegian Foreign Minister Boerge Brende (Photo: VNA)
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh had bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of several countries on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 48) in Kuala Lumpur on August 4.
At a meeting with Norwegian Foreign Minister Boerge Brende, Minh and Brende agreed that the two countries should strengthen cooperation in fields that suit both Norway’s strength and Vietnam’s needs such as navigation, shipbuilding, hydroelectricity, and sea-based economy, while increasing coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums.
Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh urged the two countries to sign an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and service/official passport holders. He asked Norway to grant tourism visa exemption for Vietnamese citizens, the same as Vietnam has done for Norwegian nationals.
The Norwegian FM confirmed that his country attaches special importance to the friendship and cooperation with Vietnam. He thanked Vietnam for supporting Norway to forge relations with ASEAN and become a dialogue partner of ASEAN in certain fields.
The two sides also shared their concern over the situation in the East Sea, and highlighted the significance of resolving any disputes via peaceful means and on the ground of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
While meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Nam Hong, Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh confirmed that Vietnam treasures the traditional neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation with Cambodia.
Minh suggested the two countries step up affiliation in all fields in the coming time, and work together to organize the 14th meeting of the Vietnam-Cambodia Joint Committee in 2015.
Regarding border issues between Vietnam and Cambodia, Minh said the two nations should seek measures to address the existent issues for the early completion of land border demarcation and border marker planting on the basis of their friendship, as in line with the common perception reached between leaders of the two countries in March this year.
Expressing support of Minh’s suggestions, Deputy PM Hor Nam Hong agreed that both Vietnam and Cambodia should further cooperation in border management and do not allow this issue affect on the overall sound relationship between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Deputy PM Minh and Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario agreed during their meetings that they will work to enhance all-level delegation exchanges, especially among high-ranking officials, and make good preparations for the upcoming participation of Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2015 in the Philippines.
Both countries agreed to soon organise the 8th session of the Vietnam-Philippines bilateral cooperation committee to promote links in politics, economics, security, national defence, agriculture, fisheries, culture, education and tourism.
The two foreign ministers also discussed ASEAN cooperation and the East Sea issue, affirming their intention to continue coordination and join efforts with other ASEAN member states to build successfully the ASEAN Community and promote the central role of the bloc.-VNA
