President Wavel Ramkalawan of the Republic of Seychelles’ (R) receives Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique and Seychelles Pham Hoang Kim. (Photo: VOV)

Seychelles always considers Vietnam a close friend and wishes the bilateral cooperation will record new development steps, especially in tourism, telecommunications, trade, investment, an fisheries, President Wavel Ramkalawan told Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique and Seychelles Pham Hoang Kim.

He expressed his admiration for the history of the Vietnamese people's heroic struggle for independence and freedom, and congratulated Vietnam on its impressive socio-economic development achievements and the Southeast Asian country’s growing role and prestige in the international arena, VNA cited.

Both parties agreed that the signing of a Short-Stay Visa Waiver Agreement between the two countries will not only facilitate tourism between the two countries but will also enhance trade opportunities. “The signing of the Agreement will encourage people to people contact and inspire the business community to come to Vietnam” commented the Minister.

Ambassador Kim for his part extended greetings from Vietnamese leaders to President Ramkalawan, and affirmed Vietnam wishes to further strengthen friendship and cooperation with African countries in general and with the Seychelles in particular.

He expressed his belief that under the leadership of the President, the Republic of Seychelles will reap many new important achievements in national construction and development.

On the same day, Ambassador Pham Hoang Kim had meetings with Vice President Ahmed Afif, ministers in charge of foreign affairs and tourism, investment, economy, and the head of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Both sides agreed to further bolster cooperation in economy, trade, and tourism, considering this a priority in bilateral relations in the coming time. They agreed to increase visit exchanges at all levels, especially when the two countries will celebrate 45 years of bilateral diplomacy in 2024.

Kim suggested that Seychelles create favorable conditions for Vietnam to increase the export of some products of Seychelles needs, and complete legislation for signing and ratifying a number of cooperation agreements with Vietnam.

The Seychelles side agreed to continue working closely with Vietnam at international forums, especially at the United Nations, to support it to strengthen ties with the African Union, according to VOV.

Ambassador Pham Hoang Kim and Seychelles' Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegondeto (Photo: Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles)

On the same day, Ambassador Pham Hoang Kim called on Seychelles' Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegondeto discuss the exploration of cooperation in key sectors of the economy.

Both parties agreed that the signing of a Short-Stay Visa Waiver Agreement between the two countries will not only facilitate tourism between the two countries but will also enhance trade opportunities. “The signing of the Agreement will encourage people to people contact and inspire the business community to come to Vietnam,” commented the Minister.

Also discussed was the updating of Memorandums of Understanding between training institutions and the hospitality industry to make proposals for exchange programs to enable workers and students from both countries to share their experiences and best practices.

As a first step, both sides expressed an interest in revising the Memorandum of Understanding, which the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) and Hanoi, signed in 2013.

On his part, Ambassador Kim conveyed his wish to promote exchanges and cooperation in the political, economic, digital tourism, and cultural sectors, “Vietnam is keen to explore new markets and investment opportunities with Seychelles” he said.

The Ambassador also noted that like Seychelles, the climate is a priority for his country, and hopes to work with Seychelles on a solution to safeguard the environment. Minister Radegonde agreed that the issue of climate change is an international problem and “we can work together to mitigate the effects of climate change on our two countries with the adoption of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index”.

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