Vietnam and Argentina Hold Talks to Enhance Comprehensive Partnership

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: On March 19, Foreign Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn engaged in discussions with Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Diana Elena Mondino, who is currently on an official visit to Vietnam from March 19-20.

During the talks, both sides exchanged updates on their respective country’s situations and deliberated on measures to bolster the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Argentina. They explored avenues for potential collaboration, particularly in the fields of industry and agriculture, with discussions extending to regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Minister Sơn emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to nurturing the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership with Argentina. He expressed Vietnam’s keen interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of economic, trade, and investment ties, as well as the exploration of new areas such as science, technology, green growth, energy transition, and digital transformation.

To further strengthen bilateral relations, Minister Sơn proposed that Argentina, as a member of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), actively facilitate the initiation of negotiations on a free trade agreement between Vietnam and MERCOSUR. He also advocated for continued cooperation between Argentina and ASEAN, leveraging Argentina’s role within MERCOSUR to promote collaboration with the ASEAN region.

Minister Mondino affirmed Argentina’s commitment to enhancing relations with Vietnam, particularly within the context of its broader engagement with the Asia-Pacific region. She expressed admiration for Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in national development, highlighting the potential for mutual learning and collaboration between the two countries.

Both ministers hailed the positive trajectory of bilateral ties, particularly in economic cooperation, with two-way trade reaching US$3.45 billion last year. They underscored the importance of untapped potential, particularly in investment, and pledged to deepen comprehensive collaboration across various sectors.

To achieve their shared goals, both sides committed to leveraging existing mechanisms, such as deputy foreign ministerial-level political consultations and the Inter-Governmental Committee on Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation.

Furthermore, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to mutual support and cooperation at international organizations and multilateral forums, with a focus on enhancing collaboration within the United Nations, World Trade Organization, Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), and South-South cooperation framework.

The discussions between Vietnam and Argentina underscored the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing mutual interests, contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in both regions and the world at large.