Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and his Mexican counterpart Julian Ventura Valero have compared notes on measures to strengthen relations between the two countries and foreign ministries.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (left) and his Mexican counterpart Julian Ventura Valero (Photo: VNA)

During the fifth political consultation between the two foreign ministries in Mexico City on September 17, the officials discussed the East Sea situation, as well as regional and international issues of shared concern.

They said bilateral ties are developing fruitfully, especially in economy with two-way trade reaching 3.4 billion USD in 2018. Mexico is Viet Nam’s second largest trade partner in Latin America.

Both sides agreed to increase delegation exchanges and bilateral meetings, and discussed the establishment of a suitable framework to step up bilateral collaboration.

They will also work together to improve the efficiency of existing mechanisms, especially the Joint Committee on Economy, Trade and Investment, and utilise the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) of which both Viet Nam and Mexico are members, to expand bilateral economic, trade and investment links.

At the same time, they will continue to perfect legal frameworks for long-term cooperation, and promote joint projects in agriculture, national defence, science-technology, culture, sports and tourism.

The two sides agreed to coordinate to organise political, economic and cultural activities, and people-to-people exchanges towards the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations next year (May 19, 1975).

They agreed on the principles of independence, self-reliance, peace and respect for international law in the settlement of regional and international issues.

They committed to supporting each other at international organisations and multilateral forums, especially the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation, and enhancing relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Alliance.

During his stay in Mexico from September 15-18, Son had a working session with President of the Foreign Affairs Asia – Pacific – Africa Commission at the Mexican Senate Cora Cecilia Pinedo Alonso, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Chamber of Deputies Alfredo Femat Banuelos, and leaders of the Labour Party of Mexico (PT).

He also visited the Vietnamese Embassy and a photo exhibition on Viet Nam, and laid wreaths at President Ho Chi Minh’s statue in Mexico City.

(Source: VNA)