Ample Potentials for Vietnam-Iran Cooperation and People-to-people Exchange

At the ceremony, Ali Akbar Nazari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Vietnam said: Vietnam and Iran have a long history of exchange and have many similarities in culture. Each side has its own advantages to complement each other effectively in socio-economic development.

Over the past 50 years, the two countries have enjoyed close cooperation and a tradition of friendship based on mutual respect and understanding in political, economic, and cultural spheres and constructive cooperation in multilateralism. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the two countries held close linkage and consultation at different levels.

“I believe that there is room and possibility for cooperation in economy, trade, investment, culture, and tourism between the two countries. Iran – Vietnam relations will expand and bear fruit in the coming time,” said Ambassador Ali Akbar Nazari.

Iranian Ambassador Ali Akbar Nazari (second from left) talks with guests at the ceremony (Photo: Hai An).

Le Thi Thu Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, said that political-diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Iran have seen positive developments over the past time. After the Covid-19 pandemic was brought under control, both sides promptly resumed bilateral cooperation mechanisms and delegation exchange at all levels. Among those, the visit to Iran in December 2022 by Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Quang Phuong has helped strengthen parliamentarian cooperation, consolidating political trust, and opening up new directions in bilateral cooperation.

Besides political and diplomatic relations, economic and trade cooperation has been promoted and achieved many positive results. Bilateral trade turnover steadily recovered and grew. There has been growing interest from Vietnamese and Iranian businesses in exploring business opportunities with their counterparts. Furthermore, other cooperation areas have also witnessed encouraging results.

Cooperation in other areas has reached encouraging results. Iran’s strengths in science and technology, notably in nanotechnology, satellites, space, and digital transformation are potential areas for the two countries to cooperate in the coming time, given that the Vietnamese Government is placing priorities on the development of science, technology, and innovation. Regarding tourism, owning beautiful natural landscapes and historical sites and leisure activities.

Iranian Ambassador Ali Akbar Nazari introduced sophisticated Iranian handicraft products to the President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Nguyen Phuong Nga at “Iranian artistic heritage, cradle of civilization” exhibition, held in July 2022 (Photo: Anh Son).

According to Le Thi Thu Hang, the year 2023 will witness many opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in various fields such as politics – diplomacy, trade, science and technology, tourism, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and the Embassy of Iran in Hanoi will continue to closely coordinate to organize economic and diplomatic activities, cultural and art exchanges, thereby practically commemorating the important milestone in the bilateral friendship and cooperation.

On the 44th anniversary of Iran’s Revolution, on behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang congratulated the leaders, government, and people of Iran.

“The Vietnamese government and people highly appreciate and congratulate the socio-economic achievements that the Government and people of Iran have achieved over the past 44 years. Overcoming many difficulties and challenges, Iranian friends have been and will continue to mark important strides in the construction of a beautiful, prosperous, and constantly developed Iran,” said Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang.