Hanoi (VNA) 🍃– The recent trip to Cuba by Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang has created new momentum for the two countries to enhance cooperation in economy, trade and investment, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc said in a press interview.

The President was warmly welcomed by Cuban leaders and people during his stay from November 15-17, the diplomat said, adding that this demonstrates the two sides’ desire to deepen the comprehensive partnership. Both nations agreed to maintain cooperation mechanisms, especially in security, defence and external affairs, and speed up negotiations for the signing of the new bilateral trade agreement. They agreed to encourage and support businesses to make inroads in the respective markets and implement investment projects, especially in tourism infrastructure building, construction materials, consumer products, telecommunication, and oil and gas. The Deputy Foreign Minister also highlighted the outcomes of the 16th Francophone Summit held in Madagascar from November 26-27. He said at the summit, leaders reiterated their resolution to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among Francophone countries and between them and other nations for peace, security and sustainable development. Participants adopted the Antananarivo Statement and 13 resolutions mentioning various issues such as preventing and peacefully addressing crises and disputes, tackling terrorism, protecting language and culture diversity, ensuring high-quality education, promoting sustainable growth, and guaranteeing water, food, and energy security. They also affirmed their determination to realise the sustainable development goals and Paris agreement on climate change, as well as increase economic cooperation within the Francophone framework, which contributes 13 percent of the global gross domestic product and 20 percent of world trade. They also raised concerns over the East Sea issue and emphasised the need to exercise restraint and respect international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Deputy FM Ha Kim Ngoc said the Francophone community plays in a significant role in Vietnam’s diplomatic policy of multilateralisation and diversification of international relations. The participation of President Tran Dai Quang in the event was intended to realise such policy, he stressed. He noted that the Francophone community attaches importance to Vietnam’s contributions, inviting the Vietnamese President as the only representative from the Asia-Pacific region to deliver a speech at the opening ceremony. The Vietnamese delegation contributed to major issues of French-speaking countries, especially the implementation of the Francophone economic strategy and the assistance to developing countries in global economic integration, and ensuring food, water resources and energy security. President Tran Dai Quang also had bilateral meetings with the Francophone Secretary General and leaders of many member countries to discuss matters of mutual concern and measures to boost cooperation in trade and investment. Ngoc further said that in Madagascar, President Tran Dai Quang was also warmly welcomed by the host country’s counterpart. The Vietnamese and Madagascar leaders agreed that agriculture would be a cornerstone in bilateral cooperation. A business forum between the two countries was first held in Madagascar with the participation of ministers in agriculture and animal husbandry, fisheries, telecommunication, natural resources, and infrastructure construction. Many Vietnamese companies found their partners at the event. The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with the Federation of Madagascar Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Madagascar – Vietnam Chamber of Commerce signed a trilateral cooperation agreement at the forum.-VNA