Argentina Seeks to Strengthen Collaboration in Possible Areas with Vietnam

Argentinian Ambassador to Vietnam Luis Pablo Maria Beltramino. Photo: VNA

The upcoming official visit to Argentina by Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue has been highlighted by Argentinian Ambassador to Vietnam, Luis Pablo Maria Beltramino, as a significant event that will boost diplomatic relations and cooperation between the two countries in all areas.

In an recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Luis Pablo said 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 26 years since Argentina and Vietnam opened embassies in respective capital cities.

The Vietnamese top legislator’s visit will reflect current areas of cooperation that both sides are ardently attempting to reinforce, as well as assist in advancing cooperation in novel areas, he stated.

In addition to fortifying existing areas of collaboration, the two sides are expected to ink agreements in various spheres such as justice and the peaceful utilization of outer space for satellite services and trade, the ambassador stated, noting that there will also be ministerial-level conferences on science and technology, trade, agriculture, and foreign relations to review the bilateral agenda.

The two sides will also explore and decide on future collaborative directions in other areas, he added.

Politically-motivated dialogue is a crucial form of communication for determining the future objectives of diplomatic relations between two nations. This dialogue is especially important for both sides to enhance their bilateral trade activities, according to Luis Pablo.

According to a diplomat, the bilateral trade ties between Argentina and Vietnam have seen remarkable growth over the past decade, with an impressive 700% surge. Vietnam was positioned between 5th and 8th place in the list of Argentina’s trading partners, making it the third largest trade associate of Vietnam in Latin America. Two-way trade between the two countries has already reached USD 5 billion, and is expected to continue to expand in the future.

Explaining the mutually beneficial economic relationship between Argentina and Vietnam, Luis Pablo noted that approximately 90% of Argentina’s exports to Vietnam are agricultural and industrial products, highlighting the significance of the collaboration between the two countries in terms of agricultural and industrial production.

Vietnam also imports a range of other products from Argentina, such as beef and wine. What’s more, the Southeast Asian nation mainly exports electronics, mobile phones, and other goods that are in high demand in the Argentinian market.

The diplomat underscored the long-standing tradition of cooperation and dialogue between the Vietnamese and Argentinian legislatures, noting that they have held numerous meetings and delegation exchanges in recent years. He further emphasised the importance of continuing their collaboration in order to strengthen ties between the two countries.

The NA Chairman Hue will be visiting Argentina and will be having meetings with the Presidents of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the country. These meetings are intended to culminate in the signing of a cooperation agreement that will establish a legal framework for collaboration between the two parliaments. This will further strengthen the bond between the two nations and ensure mutual beneficial relations.

Argentinean Ambassador to Vietnam Luis Pablo Maria Beltramino (third from left), along with representatives from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology at the handover ceremony in 2021. Photo: VNA

According to the diplomat, Argentina has cooperated with the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) in law-making. During the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Vietnamese legislature generously donated 20,000 face masks to Argentina, while the Argentinian side reciprocated with a generous 500,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the Southeast Asian nation.

In the near future, the two parliaments will come together to engage in dialogue and formalize their partnership by signing cooperation agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to further enhance the bilateral relationship, according to the speaker. Additionally, they have established respective groups of parliamentarians to promote friendship between them.

Regarding priority cooperation areas, Luis Pablo underscored the importance of collaboration in both government-to-government and people-to-people channels for achieving comprehensive cooperation.

Both sides are eager to grow their trade cooperation, as it bolsters the socio-economic prosperity of both nations, the diplomat noted. He also emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation in sports, culture, science, technology, and education. The diplomat further highlighted the significance of technical cooperation, and noted that the two countries will continue to collaborate closely in the future, particularly in business and agriculture.

Vietnamese Ambassador Duong Quoc Thanh and members of the Argentina-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group. Photo: VNA

The Group, which is co-chaired by Argentine congressman Gustavo Ferrari and Vietnamese National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong, is made up of parliamentarians from both countries.

In February, the Argentina-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group made its debut at the headquarters of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies in Buenos Aires. Co-chaired by Argentine congressman Gustavo Ferrari and Vietnamese National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong, the Group is composed of parliamentarians from both countries.

During his visit to Argentina, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue is slated to give a policy address at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his speech, he will provide insight into Vietnam’s overall foreign policy, as well as its policy towards the region and Argentina. This will undoubtedly help to further strengthen the bonds between Vietnam and Latin America, and South America – an area that has been a longtime friend of Vietnam.

The two sides will exchange measures to promote the Comprehensive Partnership, particularly in areas where Argentina excels, such as agriculture, industry for agricultural production, green energy, renewable energy, and raw materials.