Belarusian Ambassador to Vietnam Vladimir Goshin. Photo: Vu Khanh

What are the outstanding achievements in cooperation and exchange between Vietnam and Belarus over the past 30 years?

Belarus-Vietnam relations began to develop long ago. This shows how attached we are.

Relations between Belarus and Vietnam are multilateral, based on high trust, mutual respect and support. This has always been and will lead to the prosperity of our two peoples.

Important political milestones in the history of bilateral relations are high-level visits. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the leaders of Vietnam and Belarus have made three visits to the capitals of the two countries.

Exchanges between the foreign ministries of the two sides are carried out regularly. The last consultation between the foreign ministries took place in January this year.

The opening of the Consulate General of Belarus in Ho Chi Minh City is underway, which shows the special interest of Belarusian businesses and tourists in Vietnam.

Exchanges within the framework of international organizations and electoral assistance are developing with great success.

Belarus and Vietnam have formed a solid legal and agreement framework. Specifically, more than 85 agreements have been signed, covering most fields.

The Republic of Belarus considers cooperation with Vietnam one of the priorities in the Asian region and seeks to develop a strategic partnership. Vietnam is a traditional trade partner of Belarus in Southeast Asia.

What recommendations do you have to strengthen the relationship between our two countries, especially in tourism development and the auto industry?

Belarusians especially love resorts in Vietnam. The reasons are favorable weather in Vietnam, affordable services, and many other advantages.

Belarusians are glad that Vietnam has given them the opportunity to visit the beautiful country without a visa until the end of 2022. We hope to continue the visa-free regime for Belarusians (up to 15 days), as well as the extension in the next 3 years will create favorable conditions for tourists from my country to visit Vietnam.

Last year, an online conference was held between the leaders of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Belarusian National Tourism Agency, and a number of important agreements were signed. The "vaccine passport" has been recognized by both sides. This is an important step towards removing barriers to travel.

Regarding the development of the automobile industry, BelAZ trucks, MAZ trucks, and "Belarus" tractors have been known in Vietnam for many decades. Many people still remember the "legendary" Minsk motorcycle that was known from the Soviet era and continues to be popular to this day.

Belarusian consumers are also used to traditional products produced in Vietnam such as silk, seafood, tea, and coffee. Recently, IC products and electronic devices "Made in Vietnam" are being widely popularized.

On January 11, in Hanoi, Chairman of the Vietnam-Belarus Friendship Association Nguyen Tuan Phong received Belarusian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikolai Borisevich. Photo: Vu Khanh

How do you evaluate people-to-people diplomacy in the relationship between Vietnam and Belarus?

For me, those are visits and people-to-people exchanges. They are important in developing relations between the two countries. People-to-people diplomacy is demonstrated through Vietnamese alumni who have lived and studied in Belarus. They told about the country and people of Belarus to their friends and relatives in Vietnam.

Before the pandemic, about 30,000 Belarusian tourists visited Vietnam every year.

I believe that the more exchanges, the more reliable the cooperation. With the support of the Vietnam-Belarus Friendship Association, we will organize an exhibition and cultural exchange on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this month.

What is your impression of Vietnam's traditional Tet?

This will be my sixth time celebrating Vietnamese New Year. I enjoyed learning about Vietnamese traditions. The most important thing in this holiday, for me, is the love of family, friends, community. I admire the Vietnamese for this value. I would like to congratulate all Vietnamese people on the upcoming holiday, wish everyone peace, prosperity, good health and success!

Activities Planned to Celebrate Vietnam-Belarus 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties Cooperations in education and culture will be promoted in 2022 to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Belarus.

Vietnam, Belarus to Expand Collaboration in All Fields Vietnam and Belarus agreed on many measures to bolster bilateral cooperation in all fields.

Belarusian ambassador: I see familiarities in Vietnam’s election Born in the Soviet Union, Vladimir Goshin, ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Vietnam, says seeing the elections in Vietnam reminds him of home