30th Anniversary of Vietnam-Ukraine Diplomatic Ties

On the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Ukraine relations, Vietnamese Ambassador to Ukraine Nguyen Hong Thach shared with the Vietnam Times about the diplomatic and economic achievements of the two countries
January 24, 2022 | 08:03
30th Anniversary of Vietnam-Ukraine Diplomatic Ties
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Ukraine Nguyen Hong Thach (left) and President Zelenskyy take souvenir photos after transferring the credentials.

How do you evaluate the important achievements of Vietnam and Ukraine in 30 years of diplomatic relations?

Vietnam and Ukraine have a long-standing traditional friendship, dating from the Soviet Union, developed on a solid foundation of mutual understanding and respect, meeting the aspirations and interests of the two peoples.

From 1992 to now, Vietnam and Ukraine have regularly held political consultations; carried out bilateral cooperation activities; signed more than 40 bilateral cooperation agreements.

This is an important legal basis to strengthen the cooperation between Vietnam and Ukraine to achieve positive results.

In 2011, the two countries signed a Joint Statement on the establishment of a comprehensive partnership, bringing the Vietnam-Ukraine relationship to a new height.

The two countries have exchanged high-level delegations, serving as a basis for strengthening cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, culture, science and technology. Vietnam and Ukraine always have close cooperation and mutual support in international forums.

Vietnam has a large overseas Vietnamese community in Ukraine, with about 7,000 people.

Most of them were previously sent to study and work, have made positive contributions to the socio-economic development, and are appreciated by the Ukrainian government and people.

With an understanding of the customs and practices of both Vietnam and Ukraine, they are an effective and important bridge for strengthening relations between the two countries.

Although relations between the two countries have slowed in recent years, two-way trade is still growing. The two countries have potential and strengths that can complement each other.

The 15th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on economic, science and technology cooperation (January 25, 2021) agreed to build a favorable legal framework for the exchange of goods, especially in agriculture.

The two countries will begin the FTA negotiation process, creating a premise for strengthening economic-trade relations.

30th Anniversary of Vietnam-Ukraine Diplomatic Ties
Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thach (4th from left) with former Ambassadors of Ukraine to Vietnam and delegates to the workshop celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Ukraine.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Ukraine, what activities does the Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine have?

As mentioned above, in the year of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Embassy focused on cultural diplomacy activities.

There are some major activities such as organizing exhibitions of paintings by Ukrainian artists drawing about Vietnam in at least four major cities of Ukraine (Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Lviv); republishing Luc Van Tien's poetry collection in Ukrainian and organizing a workshop on Nguyen Dinh Chieu on the 200th anniversary of his birth; and organizing Vietnam Day in Ukraine.

The Embassy also plans to organize local delegations to survey and sign the sister city agreement; organized the Vietnam-Ukraine Business Forum and other seminars to share information, introduce and connect partners of the two countries to promote trade growth.

30th Anniversary of Vietnam-Ukraine Diplomatic Ties
Overview of the National Day celebration in September 2, 2021 at the Embassy of Vietnam in Ukraine.

Can you share about the situation of the Vietnamese community during the pandemic?

The Vietnamese community in Ukraine mainly sells garments. During the Covid-19 pandemic, many markets were closed, making business and the lives of people in the community more difficult.

The Embassy focuses on the Vietnamese people, supporting them in difficult times, conducting citizen protection work, and providing maximum support for the community to stabilize their lives.

The Vietnamese Embassy and the community work together to remove difficulties. Some Vietnamese households have switched from selling garments to running restaurants.

I admire the spirit, efforts and determination of people; proud of our community's tradition of solidarity.

The Vietnamese community in Ukraine has helped each other overcome hardships.

While facing such economic difficulties, people still support the people in the Central region affected by natural disasters, storms and floods. This shows the hearts and feelings of the people far from their homeland, always towards the country.

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