Vietnam stands ready to step up relations with Haiti. (Photo: crossed-flag-pins.com)
Havana (VNA) – Vietnam stands ready to step up relations with Haiti, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba and Haiti Nguyen Trung Thanh affirmed while presenting his credentials to Haitian President Jovenel Moise during his trip to the Caribbean Sea nation from June 11-16.
During the meeting, the Vietnamese diplomat suggested both sides enhance delegation exchanges, bolster cooperation in economy, trade, investment, telecommunications and agriculture as well as coordinate closely at multilateral forums.
On the occasion, he conveyed President Tran Dai Quang’s invitation to the Haitian leader to visit Vietnam.
For his part, Haitian President Moise expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s culture, history and achievements in the Doi moi (reform) process and international integration. He appreciated Vietnam’s good will and expressed his hope to further the bilateral ties with Vietnam.
The President also spoke highly of the telecommunications cooperation project between the two nations. NATCOM, a joint venture between Viettel and the Haitian government, has contributed substantially to the infrastructure development and media connection in the country.
This is a vivid illustration for the practical and effective cooperation of both sides, he noticed.
Meeting with Haitian Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant, Ambassador Thanh congratulated Haiti on its recent success in economy, society and diplomacy and briefed the host on Vietnam’s achievements in Doi moi and global integration.
Lafontant committed to creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to effectively and sustainably expand their investment in Haiti, calling for more Vietnam’s investment in agriculture and garment and sharing of experience in response to climate change and sustainable development.
Regarding regional issues, including issues in the East Sea, the Haitian PM said that cooperation is necessary to promote peace, stability, security, and respect for international regulations. All of the disputes, including those at sea, must be handled in a peaceful manner based on international principles and regulations, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, he said.
During his stay, Ambassador Thanh also had meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Religious Affairs Antonio Rodrigue, and Minister of the Interior Jean Marie Raynando Brunet, during which they discussed measures to promote bilateral and multilateral relations in the coming time. They said that both sides should cooperate in potential fields like telecommunications, agriculture, food security, energy and trade.
The two sides agreed to accelerate the operation of a joint committee on trade and investment and kick off negotiations towards signing an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement and the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.-VNA
VNA
