Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and his Belarusian counterpart V.B. Rubakov co-chaired a political consultation in Hanoi on June 28 to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the development of the two countries’ relations, especially in the signing and ratification of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union free trade agreement (FTA).
They agreed on measures to intensify bilateral ties, including maintaining the exchange of all-level delegations to share information and strengthen mutual understanding, as well as popularising the FTA to Vietnamese and Belarusian businesses, and increase the role and operational efficiency of the Vietnam-Belarus Inter-governmental Committee on economic, trade, scientific and technological cooperation.
They also reached a consensus on fostering collaboration in science, technology, defence, education, culture, tourism and labour, and facilitating the expansion of relationships between the two countries’ localities.
Both deputy ministers spoke highly of the outcomes of their ministries’ cooperation, vowing to continue close coordination to boost bilateral ties and work together at international forums like the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and other international organisations of which Vietnam and Belarus are members.
They also exchanged notes on regional and international issues, and agreed to support the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, on the basis of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, and the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and the early formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.-VNA
