Gov’t chief bids farewell to outgoing Panamanian Ambassador

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Panamanian Ambassador Servio S. Samudio, Ha Noi, July 15, 2019 – Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

PM Phuc congratulated Ambassador Servio S. Samudio on his successful mission in Viet Nam and his contribution to the bilateral ties. 

The two-way trade turnover grew 30% against 2014 when the diplomat took office. The two sides attached importance to boosting cooperation in culture, tourism, and training. The host leader took the occasion to thank the Ambassador for his contributions to Spanish language teaching at Ha Noi University.

In reply, Ambassador Servio S. Samudio expressed his impression at the development of Viet Nam.

He was convinced that the two countries would conduct numerous activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2020. He said his country hopes  to welcome the Vietnamese PM to visit Panama. 

The Ambassador affirmed that Panama always stands by and supports Viet Nam to successfully assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020, hoping that Viet Nam would serve as a bridge and gateway for Panama to enter ASEAN. On the other hand, Panama is willing to become a bridge for Viet Nam to enter Latin American market. 

Ambassador Servio S. Samudio expressed his gratitude to the Vietnamese Government for the signing of the agreement on visa exemption for ordinary passport holders (this June). 

The guest leader also revealed a plan to come back Viet Nam for the Formula One Race next year. 

PM Phuc said that he would direct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to closely work with Panama to conduct activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties. 

Viet Nam attaches importance to boosting ties with Latin American countries in general and Panama in general, he said.

He proposed the two countries to beef up cooperation in potential fields and accelerate negotiations for legal documents which would forge legal basis for long-term cooperation. 

According to PM Phuc, Viet Nam not only serves as a gateway for Panama to enter ASEAN markets but also other markets as it inked a number of FTAs including those with 15 of  G20./. 

By Khanh Phuong