Vietnamese FM Bui Thanh Son (L) and his Argentinian counterpart Santiago Andrés Cafiero at the talks. Photo: VNA

Vietnam always attaches importance to its relationship with Argentina and is willing to work with the country to develop their bilateral Comprehensive Partnership, established in 2010, in a deeper and more effective manner, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has affirmed.

Son held talks over the phone with his Argentinian counterpart Santiago Andrés Cafiero on April 18 to discuss measures to boost bilateral relations towards the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023, according to VNA.

Argentina was one of three Latin American countries, together with Cuba and Chile, to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam before 1975. The bilateral diplomatic ties were set up on October 25, 1973.

Bilateral relations between the two countries have always developed well since the establishment of diplomatic ties nearly 50 years ago.

The ministers appreciated the positive development of the Vietnam-Argentina Comprehensive Partnership, even in the context of the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trade has been a bright spot after the two countries established a comprehensive partnership in 2010 with an increase in two-way exchange turnover from 1 billion USD to nearly 4 billion USD in 2020.

The two sides successfully organized the eighth political consultation at the deputy foreign ministerial level in May 2021 and the seventh meeting of the joint Government Committee on Economics, Trade and Investment in August 2021.

Last year, two-way trade surpassed USD 4.5 billion, USD 700 million higher than that of the previous year despite the serious impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Argentina is currently Vietnam’s third-largest trade partner in Latin America.

Vietnam’s exports were mostly mobile phones and spare parts, computers, electronics and accessories, footwear, machinery, equipment, and other supporting tools, apparel, and footwear materials. The country imported animal feed, corn, cotton, soya, tea, and vegetable oils from Argentina.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (middle) and officials. Photo: VNA

Minister Son proposed both sides give priority to promoting visits by senior leaders, and making better use of economic-trade cooperation opportunities through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).

He also suggested Argentina create more conditions for Vietnamese agricultural products such as coffee, fresh and dried fruits and Vietnam’s advantageous products like textiles, footwear, wooden furniture, and construction materials to gain access to its market.

The Vietnamese official appreciated his Argentinian counterpart's proposal of considering the expansion of cooperation in other fields such as space technology, and biotechnology for agriculture and husbandry, and energy conversion.

The Vietnamese ministry will soon discuss with relevant ministries and sectors the possibility of promoting cooperation in these potential and practical fields, he added.

Minister Santiago Andrés Cafiero affirmed that his country always treasures Vietnam’s role and position in the region and the international arena, saying close and effective collaboration with Vietnam in both bilateral and multilateral aspects is an important factor for its foreign policy in the Asian-Pacific region.

He said he will work closely with the Vietnamese side towards the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

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