Deputy Foreign Minister Tran Quoc Cuong (L) and Botswana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Unity Dow at the celebration. Photo: baoquocte.vn

Addressing the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Tran Quoc Cuong said Vietnam and Africa have shared cooperative relations on a foundation of solidarity and mutual support during their national independence struggles in the past as well as present national development.

Vietnam has always worked to develop all-round partnership with African countries, including Botswana, the official stated.

He said Vietnam is delighted at achievements the Government and people of Botswana have gained over the years, with high growth making Botswana one of the countries with the most developed economies in Africa.

Cuong said Vietnam highly values Botswana’s connecting role in the Southern African Development Community.

He noted that over the past decade, although the two sides have enjoyed remarkable attainments in many cooperation areas, results have yet to match their great potential.

The Deputy FM expressed his belief that after the visit by Botswana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Unity Dow, more effective cooperation programmes will be implemented.

With its experience in national construction and development as well as in cooperation with African countries in various fields, Vietnam is willing to work with the government and people of Botswana towards the country’s target of becoming a developed country.

Cuong said he hopes that in the future, Vietnam and Botswana will bolster their cooperation, meeting the aspirations and interests of both peoples.

For her part, the Botswana minister said her first visit to Vietnam is being made as the two sides are celebrating the 10^th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, and expressed her impression on Vietnam’s growth.

Noting that the Vietnam-Botswana partnership is expanding in various areas, the official said Botswana wishes to learn from Vietnam’s experience in socio-economic development.

She also expected that the relationship between Vietnam and African countries, including Botswana, will continue to grow, contributing to global peace and prosperity.

At the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Botswana Unity Dow in Hanoi.

Minh hailed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Botswana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and proposed accelerating talks for the signing of documents such as the framework agreement on economic, cultural, education, information technology cooperation; the investment encouragement and protection agreement; and the double taxation avoidance agreement.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Botswana Unity Dow signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders. Photo: VNA

Unity Dow, for her part, wished that Vietnam would enhance coordination with Botswana in the fields of agriculture, information technology, education-training, tourism and health care.

She welcomed Vietnamese enterprises to Botswana to do business and desired to acquire Vietnam’s socio-economic development experience.

Both sides reached consensus on specific measures to deepen bilateral links, including facilitating the exchange of delegations at all levels.

Discussing regional and global issues of shared concern, including the East Sea issue, they highlighted the importance of peace, stability, security, maritime safety and freedom in line with international law.

On the occasion, they signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders./.

VNF/VNA