Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) and his Beninese counterpart Olushegun Adjadi Bakari exchange the MoU on cooperation between the two foregin ministries after their talks in Hanoi on December 14. (Photo: VNA) Son hailed the official visitof the Beninese Foreign Minister as an important milestone in bilateralrelations, contributing to creating new momentum for the Vietnam-Benin ties inthe time ahead.
He affirmed that Vietnamwants to promote multifaceted cooperation with Benin, which is a traditionalfriendly partner of Vietnam in Africa.
Minister Olushegun AdjadiBakari said Benin hopes to enhance ties with Vietnam, which is a prioritypartner of Benin in Southeast Asia.
The two ministers acknowledged positiveprogresses in some important fields in bilateral ties, but noted that they areyet to meet the expectations of leaders and people of the two countries. Theyagreed that there is big room for the two sides to expand collaboration,particularly in trade, investment, telecommunications, vocational training,agriculture and agricultural machinery.
The ministers reachedagreement on a number of measures and plans to improve bilateral cooperation inthe future.
They concurred on the needto enhance the role of the two foreign ministries in bilateral ties, increasethe exchange of delegations, especially those at high level, coordinate closelyat multilateral forums, effectively utilise the mechanism of politicalconsultations between the two foreign ministries, and maximise the bridgingrole of Vietnam and Benin in promoting cooperation between the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Economic Community ofWest African States (ECOWAS).
Regarding economiccooperation, the two sides agreed to study the formation of sub-committees,increase the exchange of market information and trade and investment promotionactivities, and further facilitate market access for each other’s strong products.They agreed to expedite the negotiations for the signing of cooperationdocuments in agriculture, trade and investment, thus creating a favourablelegal corridor for bilateral partnership.
Following the talks, thetwo ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the twoforeign ministries./.
VNA
