Vietnamese, Maldives FMs discuss bilateral ties

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Photo: VGP/Hai Minh

This was part of activities to celebrate the 45^th founding anniversary of Viet Nam-Maldives diplomatic ties.

Deputy PM, FM Minh spoke highly of Maldives’ efforts in containing the COVID-19 pandemic and its initial success in re-opening doors to foreign travellers, expressing thanks to the Maldivian Government for facilitating Vietnamese citizens to return home in last July.

For his side, Abdulla Shahid congratulated Viet Nam on its success in controlling the pandemic, which allowed the Southeast Asian country to quickly switch “new normal” and maintain positive economic growth.

He also thanked the Government of Viet Nam for the generous assistance provided for the fight against COVID-19.

Both sides agreed to make greater efforts in promoting practical and mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with the two nations’ potentials and desires.

They were unanimous in facilitating delegation and people-to-people exchanges and fostering cooperation in such fields like trade, investment, tourism, maritime and aquaculture.

Minh took the occasion to affirm that Viet Nam attaches importance to the relationship with nations in the Indian Ocean, including Maldives, as evidenced by hosting the Indian Ocean Conference in Ha Noi in August 2018.

The pair pledged to enhance coordination and mutual support at multi-lateral forums, especially the United Nations on the basis of respecting national sovereignty and international law, for the sake of their peoples and for peace, stability and development in the region and the world./.

By Thuy Dung