Kazakh Ambassador to Vietnam Yerlan Baizhanov. Photo: PA

What is the meaning and focus of this visit to Vietnam by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev?

The official visit to Vietnam by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is an opportunity for the two countries to open new chapters in their bilateral relations, especially in the context that the potential for economic cooperation is still wide open.

Within the framework of the visit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is expected to hold high-level talks and meetings with leaders of Vietnam and visit several locations in Hanoi.

The important purpose of this visit to Vietnam is to "explore the potential" of the great cooperation between the two countries. This is also the content that the President once emphasized in the meeting with Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan in 2022 in Kazakhstan. The President paid special attention to the need to promote economic cooperation between the two countries.

It is expected that the two sides will sign an intergovernmental joint action plan to promote the development of economic and trade cooperation and a number of agreements in other areas.

Over the past 3 decades, what are the outstanding achievements that Vietnam and Kazakhstan gained?

The traditional friendship between Kazakhstan and Vietnam during the past 31 years had many positive results.

Specifically, Kazakhstan and Vietnam maintain friendly bilateral relations, exchange high-level visits, support each other's international initiatives, and cooperate within the framework of international organizations. The friendly atmosphere helps the two sides develop cooperation in different fields, firstly in the commercial sector.

The free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) that took effect in 2016 has created a driving force to promote trade exchange between the two countries. The establishment of the Vietnam-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Committee on Economic - trade and Scientific-technical Cooperation is also an important basis for strengthening bilateral relations.

Two-way trade turnover increased by about 3 times compared to the level before the Vietnam-EAEU free trade agreement was signed. More Kazakh entrepreneurs consider Vietnam an attractive destination to seek new business opportunities and investment cooperation.

In addition, the establishment of a direct flight route between the two countries by 2022 contributed to facilitating the exchange of delegations as well as promoting bilateral cooperation in potential fields such as tourism and transportation. Vietnam has become an attractive destination for many Kazakh tourists.

The good relations that the leaders and people of Vietnam and Kazakhstan built are the foundation to further promote cooperation between the two countries.

Video: WVR

When the leaders of the two countries clearly show their determination to strongly promote bilateral relations, what are the foundations for the journey ahead?

Overcoming all historical ups and downs and geographical distance, the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Kazakhstan have been witnessing new developments, bringing benefits to both peoples.

It is the persistent cooperation of generations of leaders and people of the two countries that is the core factor that creates a long-term connection between Vietnam and Kazakhstan.

Sincere affection, determination to promote cooperation, and deep understanding of the bilateral friendship of the two peoples are the foundation for good relationships in science, economy, culture, and education.

What is your impression of Vietnam?

I am impressed with Vietnam. My first impression of Vietnam is what I read when I was in school. We admire Vietnam's heroism and sympathize with your struggles.

The second impression is associated with the 1980s, when my father, a Kazakh journalist, visited Vietnam twice as a member of a state delegation. He wrote 15 articles about this trip. He later published it as a book in Kazakh language.

He shared with us his impression of Vietnam. Life in Vietnam back then was much more difficult than it is now. That was in the years 1984-1987.

When I came here, Vietnam had become a modern country, different from the one my father visited and used to tell stories about.

For me, Vietnam's economy has high development prospects. In any field, the Vietnamese approach work with persistence.

In studying, Vietnamese people are also serious. Back in the Soviet era, we see Vietnamese students always carry books with them and they study all day. Therefore, I am happy to come to work in Vietnam.

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