Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn met with Togo’s Robert Dussey to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, highlighting agriculture and trade as primary areas of cooperation. The meeting coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, where both nations committed to sharing development experiences, supporting multilateral cooperation, and signing crucial agreements to strengthen collaboration.
In a significant diplomatic engagement, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bùi Thanh Sơn, met with Prof. Robert Dussey, Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Togolese Abroad. This meeting coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Togo. Minister Sơn expressed Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening ties with African nations and emphasized that political trust is essential for enhancing cooperation in diverse areas including trade, investment, agriculture, and education.
Sơn proposed that both nations exchange lists of goods with competitive advantages to enhance trade, particularly focusing on rice, textiles, and agricultural machinery. Additionally, he called for Togo to share investment opportunities to facilitate Vietnamese companies’ market exploration in Togo. He highlighted Vietnam’s extensive experience in economic reform and expressed readiness to collaborate in sharing development strategies, enhancing education, and establishing training programs between the two countries.
The discussions also covered cooperation in multilateral forums, with Sơn urging Togo to support Vietnam in gaining candidacies for significant international roles. He specifically mentioned the importance of Togo’s backing regarding ASEAN’s stance on regional security issues in the East Sea. Minister Dussey acknowledged the untapped potential for deeper economic collaboration, particularly in seaports and tourism, and thanked Vietnam for its assistance in agricultural development projects.
Both parties agreed to prioritize agriculture as a cooperative focus and to actively promote bilateral agreements concerning investment protection, tax avoidance, and visa exemptions for diplomatic personnel. A memorandum of understanding was signed to facilitate ongoing consultations between the foreign ministries, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening their bilateral relationship as they approach the 50-year milestone.
Vietnam and Togo established diplomatic relations in 1975, marking a historical moment in their bilateral engagement. As both nations recognize the need for deeper economic ties, this meeting underscores the significance of enhancing cooperation across various sectors. As Togo seeks to develop its agricultural sector, Vietnam, with its robust experience in this field, is in a prime position to assist, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership. The 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations serves as an opportunity to reflect on past achievements while paving the way for future collaboration.
The meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Togo signifies a crucial step towards enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in agriculture, trade, and investment. As both nations express a desire to deepen cooperation, the next five decades promise opportunities that could lead to substantial economic growth and collaboration. This renewed commitment emphasizes political trust as the cornerstone of their partnership moving forward.
Original Source: vietnamnews.vn
