Nepalese PM concludes official visit to Vietnam

Hanoi (VNA) – Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on May 13 wrapped up an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of his counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

During the trip from May 9, PM Sharma Oli laid a wreath at the monument to martyrs and paid homage to President Ho Chi Minh at the late Vietnamese leader’s mausoleum in Hanoi.

He had talks with PM Phuc and met with National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. He also attended and delivered a speech at the UN Day of Vesak 2019 celebration, visited the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, took part in the Vietnam-Nepal business forum and witnessed the signing of important documents between the two countries.

On this occasion, the two sides issued a joint statement to intensify their traditional friendship.

They agreed to increase delegation exchanges at all levels and via all channels, including between parties, governments, legislatures, localities and peoples. They welcomed the signing of an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders, a memorandum of understanding on establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries and a letter of intent on the negotiation on a framework agreement on trade and investment cooperation.

The Vietnamese and Nepalese leaders said bilateral economic-trade ties remain modest compared to potential. They asked the countries’ ministries and agencies to consider setting up economic and trade cooperation mechanisms and encourage businesses to survey each other’s markets and take part in business-to-business events.

The two countries agreed to consider proposals on the opening of markets for strong agricultural products of each other, while increasing information sharing and partnership in agricultural science and technique research. They also agreed to share law enforcement experience, exchange crime-related information and consider negotiating agreements on criminal justice.

At the meetings, Vietnam and Nepal decided to boost cultural and tourism collaboration and people-to-people exchange and step up ties in other potential areas, including science and technology, information and communications, logistics and natural disaster response.

They also shared many viewpoints on regional and international issues of common concern, affirming the importance of full respect for the United Nations Charter, as well as principles and standards of international law. They also expressed resolve to maintain multilateralism and seek solutions to common issues, while stressing the need for cooperation for a fair, equal and inclusive world order based on rules and democracy.-VNA