Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam considers Argentina its most importantpartner in Latin America and hopes to further consolidate the bilateralstrategic partnership, particularly in economics, trade, and investment,National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has affirmed.
Welcoming visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri in Hanoi onFebruary 20, Chairwoman Ngan said that Vietnam has not forgotten and indeed treasuresthe support of the Argentine people during its past struggle for nationalliberation.
The Chairwoman showed her delight at the positive development of the bilateralrelations over the years. Political ties have been intensified through regulardelegation exchanges and bilateral meetings on the sidelines of internationalevents, she said, adding that two-way trade has increased rapidly, doubling invalue over five years to reach 2.9 billion USD in 2018.
President Macri confirmed that Argentina wants to strengthen itscooperation with Vietnam, which is currently its fifth largest trade partner inthe world and the second in Asia.
Informing the host of the positive outcomes of his talks with VietnameseParty General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong, President Macri voicedhis hope that with the backing of the Vietnamese legislature, both sides will beable to further exchange trade and investment ties, and the relationshipbetween the two legislative bodies will be tightened so as to deepenArgentina-Vietnam relations.
He affirmed his support for the stance of solving disputes related tosovereignty and territory through peaceful negotiations and in accordance withinternational law.
In turn, the Vietnamese top legislator suggested both sides step up theexchange of delegations at all levels, and maintain and increase the efficiencyof such cooperation mechanisms as the Inter-Governmental Committee and politicalconsultation at the deputy foreign ministerial level.
The solid political relationship will act as a foundation to developeconomic, trade, and investment ties, she noted.
The Chairwoman took the occasion to thank Argentina for backing Vietnam’scandidacy to a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for the2020-2021 tenure.
In the evening, Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trongand his wife hosted a banquet to welcome the Argentine President and hisspouse.–VNA
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