Vietnamese and Chilean Presidents Agree to Deepen Bilateral Relations
Santiago, The Gulf Observer: Vietnamese State President Lương Cường and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font held high-level talks in Santiago de Chile to discuss ways to intensify and expand the Vietnam-Chile relationship. This official visit, the first by a Vietnamese State President in 15 years, marks a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
During the meeting, the leaders shared updates on their countries’ development and reviewed their flourishing bilateral relationship. President Boric emphasized the importance of Cường’s visit, expressing optimism that it would further deepen the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Chile. He commended Vietnam’s achievements in national development, particularly under the Đổi Mới (Renewal) reforms, and noted these experiences as valuable lessons for Chile.
Boric highlighted the significance of Vietnam as a key partner within Chile’s Asia-Pacific policy framework. The two countries are commemorating the 10th anniversary of their bilateral free trade agreement, and both are active members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Cường, in turn, reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive partnership with Chile, which was the first South American nation to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1971. He also expressed gratitude for Chile’s historic support during Vietnam’s struggles for independence and reunification.
Reflecting on the 55th anniversary of the historic meeting between President Hồ Chí Minh and Chilean President Salvador Allende in Hanoi in 1969, Cường emphasized the visit’s symbolic importance in continuing to build upon the foundation of diplomatic ties established in 1971.
The two leaders celebrated the success of existing cooperation mechanisms, including regular high-level visits and the Vietnam-Chile free trade council. They noted that despite global economic challenges, economic and trade ties remain strong, with Chile as Vietnam’s fourth-largest trading partner in Latin America, and Vietnam as Chile’s leading ASEAN trading partner.
A key outcome of the talks was the signing of multiple agreements to expand cooperation. This included a joint statement and a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation, underscoring Vietnam’s recent establishment of a defense attaché office in Chile. Additional agreements focused on agriculture, culture, and trade promotion. Both leaders stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration in areas like sustainable development, renewable energy, science, education, tourism, defense, and security. They agreed to work on additional bilateral cooperation documents to establish a comprehensive legal framework for sustainable growth and to encourage stronger business partnerships.
Vietnam and Chile committed to continued cooperation at international organizations and multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, APEC, and FEALAC. In a shared stance on regional security, they affirmed that disputes, particularly in the East Sea, should be settled through peaceful means in line with international law, including the UN Charter and the 1982 UNCLOS.
Cường conveyed greetings from Vietnamese leaders and extended an invitation to President Boric to visit Vietnam, which he accepted. The leaders concluded their talks with a joint press briefing, underscoring their shared commitment to strengthening their nations’ partnership and enhancing mutual cooperation for peace and development in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
