PM Nguyen Tan Dung on December 17 described his Haitian counterpart Laurent Salvador Lamothe’s visit a milestone in the history of bilateral relations, providing fresh impetus for stronger future cooperation.

He hailed Haiti’s efforts in maintaining political stability, boosting socio-economic development, and expanding external relations, as well as in overcoming the consequences of the 2010 powerful quake.

Both leaders agreed that the two countries should increase the exchange of delegations to promote mutual trust and understanding and boost cooperation in potential areas such as trade, telecommunications, agriculture and construction.

Vietnam and Haiti need to take advantage of flexible mechanisms to enhance bilateral cooperation in science-technology, education, health care, food security, and poverty reduction, they said.

They agreed to accelerate talks on the establishment of a strategic and long-term partnership on food security, as well as other mechanisms, laying a firm legal foundation for stronger cooperation.

Accordingly, the two countries will kick-start negotiations of six agreements on investment protection and encouragement, food security, agriculture, culture, sports and tourism, and visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders.

Both sides agreed to encourage and create favourable conditions for their business communities to increase economic, trade and investment ties.

They highly valued the efficient operation of NATCOM, a joint venture Vietnamese military-run telecom corporation (Viettel) and the Haitian Ministry of Economy and Finance, considering it an exemplary model to expand to other areas.

They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, saying both sides will continue supporting each other at multilateral forums for peace, stability and development in the two regions and the rest of the world.

PM Lamothe voiced his support for East Sea-bordered countries’ efforts in maintaining a stable and peaceful environment and settling marine-related issues through peaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He said Haiti and Vietnam have many things in common and they have potential for strengthening bilateral cooperation and development.

He called on Vietnamese telecom and garment businesses to invest in Haiti’s export processing zones, and confirmed that Haiti is Vietnam’s reliable partner.  

PM Lamothe invited PM Dung to visit Haiti, and the visit was accepted with pleasure.

After the talks, the two PMs signed a joint Vietnam-Haiti communiqué and witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a strategic investment partnership between Viettel and the Haitian government.

PM Lamothe began an official three-day visit to Vietnam on December 16 at the invitation of PM Dung.

Vietnam, Haiti to further multifaceted ties

President Truong Tan Sang affirmed that Vietnam will always promote ties with traditional friends, including Haiti.

President Truong Tan Sang meets Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Salvador Lamothe. (Photo: VNA)

At a meeting with visiting Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Salvador Lamothe, in Hanoi on December 17, Sang highly valued the two countries’ cooperation in telecommunications and asked both sides to promptly sign agreements to create a legal framework that will enhance ties, especially in economics, trade and investment.

Vietnam is willing to share knowledge and cooperate with Haiti in various fields, Sang stressed.

Lamothe said Haiti would like to learn from Vietnam’s agricultural and food security experience and has always regarded highly Vietnam’s role and position at regional and international forums.

He also suggested Vietnamese firms invest in textiles and garments for export to Haiti, adding that the country will create all favourable conditions for them to operate effectively.

NA Chairman welcomes Haitian PM

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung received visiting Prime Minister Laurent Salvador Lamothe in Hanoi on December 17.

He welcomed the results of talks between Lamothe and his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung, which he said will help elevate the two countries’ cooperative relations to a new height.

He said Lamothe’s visit will offer Vietnamese and Haitian people the chance to increase friendship exchanges so as to promote mutual understanding.

Hung suggested that both countries work closely together to fully tap their potential, especially their respective strengths, for peace and development around the world.   

The two States and parliaments also need to increase the exchange of delegations to further develop bilateral relations, said the NA Chairman.

Lamothe praised Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements during the current Doi Moi (Renewal) process, as well as its increasing role globally.

He noted that despite geographical distance Haitian and Vietnamese people have many things in common, especially their past struggle for national liberation.

He confirmed his government’s resolve to increase cooperation in such areas as food security, telecommunications, trade, culture and education with Vietnam.  

At another reception for the Haitian PM, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong stressed that Vietnam always attaches importance to developing friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Haiti, especially in trade, agriculture, services, telecommunications and the processing industry.

He spoke highly of the results of meetings between Lamothe and top Vietnamese leaders, affirming that Vietnam treasures the development of friendship and cooperation with Latin American countries.

Lamothe pledged to further deepen ties between the two countries in a more practical and effective manner. He expressed his wish to share national management knowledge with Vietnam and strengthen bilateral ties in many fields, especially food security.

He revealed that Haiti will soon open an embassy in Hanoi to boost ties with Vietnam.

VNN/VNA/VOV