Representatives from the Embassy of Oman and leaders of the Party and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam at the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Oman.
At the ceremony marking a meaningful milestone in the history of bilateral relations, Omani Ambassador to Vietnam Saleh Mohamed Ahmed Al Suqri, Vice Chairman Commission for External Relations Communist party of Vietnam - Truong Quang Hoai Nam and Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Nguyen Minh Hang shared their joy at the achievements as well as the prospect of developing the two countries' relations in a deeper and more comprehensive manner.
Oman and Vietnam have made great strides in bilateral cooperation. Political relation is constantly consolidated through regular exchange of delegations between the relevant ministries and sectors of the two countries.
The two countries have signed about 10 Agreements/Treaties and 3 Memoranda of Understanding in various fields such as politics, economy, trade, human resources, double taxation avoidance, mutual encouragement and protection in production investment…
Omani Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E Saleh Mohamed Ahmed Al Suqri said: “One of the important agreements is the Agreement on the establishment of a Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation between Vietnam and Oman; the Agreement on the establishment of a joint business council; and the Agreement to establish a political consultation group. The two sides also held many important meetings…”
Many documents and bilateral cooperation agreements have been signed. Most recently (April 28, 2022), the two countries signed an agreement on visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports. The signing of this agreement will create favourable conditions for the travel of state agencies’ officials between the two countries, thereby promoting delegation exchange and strengthening cooperation between both sides.
Looking back on the 30-year journey of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Oman, Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Hang expressed her respect for outstanding achievements in political and diplomatic relations, especially in bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Economic cooperation between the two countries is constantly promoted in a more practical manner. Bilateral trade turnover in 2021 reached 338.1 million USD, an increase of 100% compared to 2020, an impressive growth amid difficulties caused by the Covid-19 epidemic.
“Regarding investment, the Vietnam-Oman Joint Venture Investment Company (VOI) is a bright spot in investment cooperation between Vietnam and Oman with successful investment projects in essential fields such as agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, hydropower plants, clean water treatment plants…,” noted Assistant to the Foreign Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Hang.
The VOI was established and operated on the basis of agreement and support from the two Governments since 2008. From the initial committed capital of 100 million USD in 2009, until now, the VOI has disbursed more than 300 million USD in Vietnam.
Ms. Nguyen Minh Hang said: “We also always appreciate the kind affection and valuable support the Government and people of Oman have given to the Vietnamese people during the recent difficult time to overcome the consequences of natural disasters and the Covid-19 epidemic. (In September 23, 2021, the Government of Oman donated 300,000 USD to some central provinces to prevent floods and storms). The close relationship between the two countries is a solid foundation for long-term Vietnam-Oman cooperation.
Chairman of the Board of Director of VOI, Sheikh Nasser Al Harthy, said: “We are very proud to be one of the first international partners to participate in Vietnam's economic growth journey, contributing to the development of key industries in Vietnam and having an impact on the daily lives of Vietnamese people. The VOI is considered a typical model for the economic cooperation relationship between the two countries.”
Amid the significant achievements of the two countries, the Omani Ambassador and Assistant to the Foreign Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Hang are pleased to believe that with the potential and determination of the two sides, the Vietnam-Oman relationship in the future will continue to develop comprehensively in all fields such as politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, seaports, tourism..., for the benefit and aspirations of the people of the two countries, for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
Bao Duc