Vietnam, Ethiopia bring relations to new height

Hanoi (VNA) – President Tran Dai Quang and his Spouse made a State-level visit to Ethiopia from August 23-25 at the invitation of President Mulatu Teshome. On the occasion, the two sides issued a joint statement.

During the visit, President Quang on August 23 held talks with President Mulatu Teshome who later hosted a state banquet in honor of the guest. President Quang also had separate meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Speaker of the House of Federation Keria Ibrahim, and visited the headquarters of the African Union (AU) and met with AU Acting President Amira Elfadil Mohammed Elfadil.

In the meeting with PM Abiy Ahmed, President Quang spoke highly of Ethiopian’s efforts in maintaining a stable political environment and the highest economic growth in Africa. The PM congratulated Vietnam on the country’s important achievements in socio-economic development and in foreign relations, and expressed his wish for strengthened cooperation with Vietnam in various fields.

In their talks, the two Presidents exchanged ideas on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern. The host leader stressed that the first visit by the Vietnamese President created a landmark and brought bilateral relations forwards by an important step.

In the economic field, the two leaders agreed on the need to continue pushing the bilateral cooperation, as the two countries are enjoying great potential in developing economy and trade. The Ethiopian sides welcomed Vietnamese enterprises to invest in various fields, and the two sides agreed to implement the deal on aviation service and to open direct flights between the two countries at an early date.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of various cooperation agreements, and agreed to continue discussions so as to proceed to the signing of many others. The two sides highly valued the traditional bilateral relations of cooperation and friendship, and affirmed the need to intensify the political trust between the two countries.

Both leaders spoke highly of the other country’s role and position in regional and international organizations to which they are members such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Ethiopian side took note that Vietnam is the only candidate of Asia – Pacific to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council of the UN for the 2020-2021 tenure. President Quang expressed support for Ethiopia to join the World Trade Organization.

The two sides affirmed their readiness to strengthen cooperation in many fields as well as joint efforts for progress and prosperity in Asia – Pacific and Africa. President Quang highly valued the role by Ethiopia in peacekeeping missions of the UN, while President Mulatu Teshome expressed readiness to cooperate and share with Vietnam experiences in this field.

The two leaders held that peace and stability are essential needs for the goal of development and the building of a prosperous life for the mankind. The two sides called on the international community to join hands to settle armed conflicts by peaceful means. President Quang welcomed the signing of a peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The two sides affirmed the importance of strengthening international cooperation against terrorism, a common threat to peace-loving nations.

President Quanginvited President Mulatu Teshome and PM Abiy Ahmed to visit Vietnam at an early date, and the invitation was accepted.-VNA