Vietnam, Pakistan hold first political consultation
Vietnam and Pakistan held the first political consultation in Hanoi on August 19, during which they affirmed their special attention to the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.
Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh (R) receives Pakistani Deputy FM Amjad Hussian B.Sial (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam and Pakistan held the first political consultation in Hanoi on August 19, during which they affirmed their special attention to the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation.
At the meeting, co-chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and his Pakistani counterpart Amjad Hussian B.Sial, the two sides agreed that it is necessary for the two foreign ministries to uphold their bridging role, thus creating a firm foundation for other cooperative ties.
The two sides consented to hold the next political consultation in 2016 and accelerate the organisation of the third meeting of the Joint Committee on Economic, Cultural, Scientific and Technological Cooperation and the fourth meeting of the Vietnam-Pakistan Joint Sub-Committee on Trade.
Pakistan welcomes stronger export of Vietnamese products such as tea, pepper and basa fish while calling on Vietnamese businesses to invest in banking, energy, oil and gas, garment-textile and footwear sectors in the country in the forms of joint ventures or wholly foreign invested companies.
The Pakistani side noted their hope that Vietnam’s airlines will consider the opening of a route to Islamabad in the time ahead, as connectivity is important to boosting trade and tourism ties.
Both sides highly valued the two countries’ close coordination at regional and international forums such as the ASEAN Regional Forum and the Asia-Europe Meeting, and expressed support of each other’ bids to join UN agencies such as the Human Rights Council, the Economic and Social Council and the Security Council.
Stressing ASEAN’s centrality in the Asia-Pacific region and its role in settling issues regarding regional peace and stability, the Pakistani side noted their hope that Vietnam will assist the country in tightening its cooperation with the group within the framework of the “East Asia vision” policy.
Discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides said peace and stability is prerequisite for cooperation and development.
In the spirit, Pakistan backs efforts of relevant parties in ensuring peace, stability and maritime security and safety in the East Sea.
All disputes should be addressed peacefully without using or threatening to use force, they said, applauding the parties to strictly abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and fundamental regulations of international law. The two sides also called on all sides to cooperate to soon reach the Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh received the Pakistani Deputy Foreign Minister and hailed the outcomes of the political consultation, especially the proposed initiatives to strengthen the collaboration in various areas and their joint perception on many international and regional issues of common concern.
He applauded the two foreign ministries for serving as coordinator for bilateral cooperation.
The Pakistani Deputy FM reiterated his country’s wish to further coordinate with Vietnam at regional and international forums, and in joint efforts to protect peace, stability, cooperation and development in Asia.-VNA
Pakistani Deputy Foreign Minister Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry spoke highly of Vietnam’s stable political environment and said there was still a huge potential for both nations to intensify their links, especially in the fields of economics, trade and tourism.
Vietnamese tea has become one of the top choices of consumers in Pakistan which boasts a population of nearly 200 million, according to the Vietnam Trade Office.
Pakistan looks forward to being upgraded into an ASEAN full dialogue partner during Malaysia's chairmanship of the regional grouping this year, said a senior Pakistani official.
A memorandum of understanding on bilateral trade promotion between Vietnam and Pakistan was signed at a working session of their commercial cooperation subcommittee held in Hanoi on April 22.
Pakistan has huge demands for commodities which are Vietnam’s strength like electrical and household goods, agricultural and forestry products and seafood.
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The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
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Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
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General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh (R) receives Pakistani Deputy FM Amjad Hussian B.Sial (Photo: VNA)
