VN, Iran head to US$2 bln in trade value

National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan holds talks with Speaker of the Parliament of Iran Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Ha Noi, April 16, 2018 - Photo: VNA

The statement was made during the talks between the Vietnamese NA Chairwoman and Speaker of the Parliament of Iran Ali Ardeshir Larijani on April 16 in Ha Noi. 

The host hailed the effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal, which has facilitated socio-economic development of Iran.

Both sides highlighted outcomes of the ninth meeting of the Viet Nam-Iran Joint Committee where they consented to strengthen cooperation in fields of agriculture, aquaculture, energy, petrol, telecommunications and banking. 

The Iranian parliament speaker suggested boosting ties in potential fields such as pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, bank connectivity, tourism-culture, film, television, and exchange of lecturers and students, stressing the need to consider launching direct flight service to step up economic, trade and tourism development.

The Vietnamese NA leader expected to receive Iran’s diplomatic note supporting Viet Nam’s run for a seat in the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021, as agreed by the two countries’ leaders.

At recent Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) meetings, some NAM members outside the Southeast Asian region objected to ASEAN’s update on the Southeast Asian section in the meetings’ documents, said Ms. Ngan, adding that the action ran counter to the practice and principles of the NAM which is solidarity, independence and not under pressure or intervention from outside.

She asked Iran to continue supporting and protecting the aforementioned principles for the sake of the NAM solidarity in the time ahead.

The two leaders agreed to increase the trade value as it only reached US$164.6 million in 2017, up 41% against the previous year. 

Regarding parliamentary ties, Chairwoman Ngan expressed her hope that the two parliaments will bolster delegation exchanges at all levels, especially between specialized committees to share legislative and supervisory experience.

The two leaders also agreed to bolster supervision and effective implementation of the signed agreements, including the deals reached by the countries’ inter-governmental committee.

The two leaders discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. Chairwoman Ngan asserted that keeping peace, stability, security and safety of navigation in and overflight over the East Sea is the common interest of all countries inside and outside the region.

Viet Nam advocates the settlement of East Sea disputes by peaceful means, in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and with respect for diplomatic and legal processes along with the rights and legitimate interests of relevant parties, she added. 

Sharing the view, Speaker Larijani said in resolving conflicts and disputes, Iran prioritize diplomatic solutions.

The Vietnamese NA Chairwoman accepted an invitation to visit Iran from the Iranian Speaker, saying to arrange time for the visit.

By Thuy Dung