Ecuador considers Vietnam its strategic partner in Asia, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Integration Marco Albuja told his host Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, in Hanoi on January 25.

The Ecuadorian guest was attending the second political consultation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Integration.

Ecuador wants to boost cooperation in agriculture, food security, oil and gas exploitation, telecommunications, and science-technology, added Albuja.

He welcomed Vietnamese businesses to explore and establish cooperation partnerships in the South American nation, and said his Government will consider recognising Vietnam’s market economy status.

Minh affirmed that Vietnam wants to develop its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Ecuador, and welcomed future visits by Ecuadorian leaders and the country’s intention to open a representative office in Hanoi.

At talks between Albuja and Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Thanh Son, the two sides informed each other of their respective national situation, and exchanged views on specific measures to strengthen bilateral ties in politics, diplomacy, economics, trade, oil and gas, telecommunications, agriculture and culture.

They acknowledged the recent and positive developments in bilateral relations, and agreed there is potential for stronger cooperation.

They exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, and agreed to increase coordination and support within international organisations and multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. They said the two countries will cooperate closely at the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) to foster inter-regional cooperation. When they co-chair a socio-economic working group in 2011-2013.-VNA