The Timor-Lester officialcongratulated Vietnam on its success in the 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship, especiallythe signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), andthanked the country for promoting the organisation of two teleconferencesbetween representatives of the ASEAN Community’s economic and socio-culturalpillars and her country last year.
She emphasised thatTimor-Lester views joining ASEAN as one of the top priorities in its foreignpolicy.
The minister also appreciatedVietnam’s assistance when her country faced difficulties, including exportingrice to help Timor-Leste ensure domestic food security.
For his part, Minh expressedhis delight at the growth in bilateral trade despite the COVID-19 pandemic’simpact on the global economy, affirming that Vietnam is ready to assist andcooperate with Timor-Leste in the areas the latter has demand in such asagriculture, fisheries, and oil and gas.
The two sides should set upand implement mechanisms and concrete measures to tap into the huge cooperationpotential, he suggested.
The Deputy PM and FM askedTimor-Leste to soon ratify the bilateral trade agreement inked in 2013; sign abilateral investment protection agreement and another on visa exemption fordiplomatic and official passport holders; facilitate operations of Vietnamese enterprisesin Timor-Leste, including Viettel Telemor; and deal with emerging issues inline with laws and the spirit of the two countries’ sound cooperation.
The officials agreed to promote the two foreign ministries’role in strengthening multifaceted cooperation and soon establish a jointcommittee for bilateral cooperation to create a framework for fostering ties inthe fields matching their countries’ potential and demand like agriculture,fisheries, textile - garment, consumer goods, industrial machinery, electricaldevices, and oil and gas.
They also concurred in working together to effectivelyimplement the 2015 deal on cooperation in rice trading and create favourableconditions for Timor-Leste students to study in Vietnam.
Vietnam and Timor-Leste will continue with cooperation and mutual supportat regional and international organisations and forums, especially the UnitedNations, they added.
Deputy PM and FM Minh welcomed and voiced support forTimor-Leste’s aspiration for becoming a member of ASEAN./.
VNA