Vietnamese State President Receives Warm Welcome in Chile as Diplomatic Ties Strengthen
Santiago, The Gulf Observer: Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font hosted a welcome ceremony on Monday for Vietnamese State President Lương Cường, who is on an official visit to Chile.
The ceremony, held in Santiago, marked the beginning of an important diplomatic visit, as both leaders engaged in talks aimed at strengthening and enhancing the efficiency of bilateral cooperation between their countries. During the discussions, they compared strategies for deepening ties across various sectors, building on the long-standing relationship between Vietnam and Chile.
Earlier in the day, President Cường and his entourage paid tribute to Chile’s national hero, Bernardo O’Higgins, by laying a wreath at his monument. O’Higgins is celebrated for his pivotal role in Chile’s independence from colonial rule in the early 19th century.
This visit holds special significance as it marks the first time in 15 years that a Vietnamese State President has visited Chile. The visit coincides with the 55th anniversary of the historic meeting between President Hồ Chí Minh and President Salvador Allende, which laid the foundation for diplomatic relations between the two nations. Chile became the first country in South America to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam, an achievement that continues to shape their relationship today.
Over the years, despite their geographical distance, diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Chile have flourished. Political and diplomatic ties between the two countries have strengthened, with frequent visits and meetings between senior leaders, officials, and representatives from various sectors. These efforts have cultivated a bond of trust and cooperation.
A key highlight of their relations is trade, with bilateral trade growing significantly. Over the past decade, two-way trade has quadrupled, reaching US$ 1.5 billion in 2023. Chile is now one of Vietnam’s key trade partners in the region and was the first Latin American country to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Vietnam in 2014. As both nations are members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), there remains substantial potential for further collaboration in the years ahead.
The visit aligns with Vietnam’s broader foreign policy goals, which emphasize independence, self-reliance, and international integration. The government aims to foster comprehensive, proactive, and extensive engagement with global partners, in line with the spirit of the 13th National Party Congress. The visit serves as an opportunity to promote peace, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity, while reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening and expanding its relationship with Chile.
