Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception in Hanoi on July 26 for Secretary of State for International Cooperation of Guinea-Bissau Nancy Raisa Cardoso, saying that her presence at the state funeral of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong reflects Guinea-Bissau’s respect and sincere sentiment toward the eminent leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam and people.
Son affirmed that under Vietnam’s foreign policy direction shaped by General Secretary Trong, Vietnam values its traditional friendship and seeks to expand multifaceted cooperation with friend countries in Africa, including Guinea-Bissau. This foundation of political trust, he noted, is essential for collaborative development.
He suggested that both nations work together to fulfil commitments made during previous talks between the Secretary of State and Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang. These commitments span politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, and agriculture, aiming to bring about effective, long-term and substantive collaboration.
Nancy Cardoso stressed that Guinea-Bissau values its traditional friendship with Vietnam and looks to enhance effective cooperation between the two countries and their foreign ministries, aiming to achieve breakthroughs in bilateral ties.
During earlier talks, Hang described the Secretary of State’s visit as a valuable opportunity to review and propose measures to foster bilateral ties.
The Government of Guinea-Bissau considers Vietnam a priority partner in its foreign policy and stays ready to expand practical and effective cooperation across various areas, Nancy Cardoso said.
Both sides agreed to facilitate the exchange of delegations at all levels, offer mutual support at international forums and act as bridges to bolster cooperation with regional organisations such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Additionally, they will focus on sharing experience in socio-economic development and policymaking.
They pledged to continue promoting key trade items such as cashew nuts and explore potential new products, including agricultural goods and textiles, and plan to sign bilateral cooperation agreements on agriculture, seaports and trade.
Regarding agricultural cooperation, Hang affirmed that Vietnam is ready to assist Guinea-Bissau in developing agriculture through bilateral or trilateral projects, thereby helping the African country gradually achieve food security and self-sufficiency.
While in Vietnam, the guest also held working sessions with the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) and T&T Group to discuss specific plans for cooperation in agriculture and agricultural trade./.
