(VOVWORLD) - National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue began a 3-day official visit to Argentina on Monday at the invitation of the Speaker of the Lower House Cecilia Moreau. The visit, which coincides with the celebration of 50 years of diplomatic ties, will strengthen the traditional friendship and solidarity between the two countries. The visit also will create opportunities for stronger bilateral cooperation in economics and trade.
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Argentina was the third Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam (October 1973), after Cuba and Chile. Since the two countries opened embassies in each other's capitals in the late 1990s, their bilateral relations have grown steadily in all areas. Argentina is now one of Vietnam's most important partners in Latin America.
Vietnam’s important partner in Latin America
In 2010, Vietnam and Argentina established a comprehensive partnership. They are now considering upgrading their relation to a strategic partnership sectorally, starting with the industrial, agricultural and energy sectors.
Parliamentary diplomacy plays a prominent role in the development of bilateral ties, which is reflected in the high-level visits by National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Van An in 2006, National Assembly Vice ChairwomanNguyen Thi Kim Ngan in 2014, and Vice Chairman Do Ba Ty in 2018.
Bilateral parliamentary cooperation was enhanced with the establishment of the Vietnam-Argentina Friendship Parliamentary Group in 2012 and the Argentina-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group in February, prior to Chairman Hue’s visit.
Two-way trade has grown steadily, from 316 million USD in 2007 to nearly 5 billion USD last year. Vietnam is currently Argentina’s 6th largest trading partner and 5th largest export market. Argentina is Vietnam’s 3rd largest trading partner in Latin America. Argentina, one of the four founding members of the South American Common Market (MERCOSUR), has proposed to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement between MERCOSUR and Vietnam.
New momentum for stronger bilateral ties
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue is the first Vietnamese leader to visit Argentina since 2010. With a delegation comprising leaders of the National Assembly, ministries, sectors, and localities, Mr. Hue’s visit will create a momentum for the two countries to better use their potentials and enhance bilateral ties in a more substantive and effective manner.
Argentinean Ambassador to Vietnam Luis Pablo Maria Beltramino called the visit an historical event marking a turning point in bilateral ties.
Head of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Affairs Vu Hai Ha said:"Vietnam wants to promote negotiations to sign a Free Trade Agreement with MERCOSUR in order to diversify markets. The two sides will discuss measures to promote the Comprehensive Partnership, especially in agriculture, green products, and green and renewable energy."
Chairman Hue’s visit is of great significance, bringing Vietnam closer to Argentina and South American countries. It enhances Vietnam's position in the global production and supply chain, and meets Argentina's desire to strengthen economic ties with Asian countries.