VN, Serbia discuss ways to boost cooperation

The two DPMs underlined the need to enhance political consultation and coordination between the two foreign ministries and develop specific mechanisms to practically expand cooperation across various fields, especially economy, trade, and investment.

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh shakes hands with Serbian first Deputy PM, FM Ivica Dacic at the Government Guest House in Ha Noi on Sept. 8, 2017. Photo: VGP

Both sides agreed to facilitate mutual trading in goods, especially Viet Nam’s key exports like aquatic, textile, coffee, and timber products as well as Serbia’s food, equipment, and machinery.

Deputy PM, FM Minh welcomed the two countries’ signing of the double taxation avoidance deal and the agreement on mutual recognition of market economy status.

He suggested both countries soon complete talks on economic-trade cooperation deal in a bid to improve legal corridor for bilateral cooperation.

The two Deputy PMs agreed to strengthen cooperation in potential areas like culture-tourism, transport, and defense.

The two sides stress on the importance of peace, stability, maritime security, safety and freedom, of peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law. Photo: VGP

They highly valued their effective coordination at international forums and organizations, vowing to continue close collaboration at multi-lateral institutions, particularly the United Nations.

Deputy PM, FM Minh took the occasion to extend thanks to Serbia for its support for Viet Nam to win a seat on the United Nations Security Council in the tenure 2020-2021.

In the spirit of mutual trust and understanding, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concerns.

The pair stressed on the importance of peace, stability, maritime security, safety and freedom, of peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), of full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and of early completion of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Serbia’s first Deputy PM, FM Ivica Dacic is on official visit to Viet Nam from September 7-11. This is the first visit of a high-level leader of Serbia to Viet Nam since 1989.

During his stay, he will make a courtesy call on PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc./.

By Huong Giang