Vietnam and Paraguay have potential and conditions to promote a stable, long-lasting, equal and mutually beneficial relationship in many fields.
Party General Secretary and Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Phu Trong made this affirmation while receiving President of the Republic of Paraguay, Fernando Lugo Mendez, in Hanoi on March 9.
He also confirmed Vietnam’s determination in boosting and consolidating the fine friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
President Mendez spoke highly of Vietnam’s prestige and position in the region and in the world.
He also congratulated Vietnam on its successful organisation of the 11th Party Congress, saying he believed that the Communist Party of Vietnam will lead the people to implement the Congress’ Resolution which aims for a wealthy people and a strong, democratic, fair and civilised country as it moves towards socialism.
The President appreciated Vietnam’s national development experience and expressed his hope to boost bilateral solidarity and friendship and expand cooperation between the two States and people.
Receiving President Mendez earlier the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed that Vietnam was willing to cooperate with Paraguay in all fields, including politics, trade, education and training, culture and especially telecommunications and agriculture.
He said he hoped Paraguay would soon recognise Vietnam as a market economy and work closely with Vietnam in international forums.
Considering Vietnam an example for economic development, hunger eradication and poverty reduction, President Mendez said he hoped the two countries will tighten bilateral cooperation in the future.
Sharing the same view, PM Dung expressed his wish to continue to welcome more high-ranking delegations from Paraguay to promote cooperation programmes.
He noted that two-way trade turnover of around 20 million USD per year is relatively modest, so the two countries should negotiate for the signing of a trade cooperation agreement.
While speaking highly of the results of talks between President Mendez and his Vietnamese counterpart, PM Dung said he believed that President Mendez’s visit to Vietnam will lift bilateral ties to a new height./.
