Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang called upon Asian and African countries to enhance their connectivity for global peace and stability on the basis of respecting international law during his speech at the first plenary session of the Asian-African Conference, also known as the Bandung Conference, in Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta on April 22.

The leader shared the difficulties and challenges currently facing many Asian and African countries, especially terrorism; armed conflicts; sovereignty disputes; intimidation; poverty; disease; climate change; energy, food and water security; and economic inequality.

He stated that Vietnam strongly supports the theme of this year’s conference “Strengthening South-South Cooperation to Promote World Peace and Prosperity”.

He appealed to the two continents to bolster cooperation to ensure peace and security as prerequisites for sustainable development. All countries need to adhere to the Ten Principles of Bandung, particularly “respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations”, “refraining from acts or threats of aggression or the use of force”, and “settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations”.

He asked for the intensification of Asian-African sustainable connectivity, particularly in economics, through South-South cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, telecommunications, labour, healthcare and education.

President Truong Tan Sang also emphasised the necessity of boosting connectivity in navigation and aviation between the continents and the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

He underlined that Vietnam continually prioritises deepening the friendship, solidarity and cooperation with Asian and African countries and thanked them for their material and spiritual support during the fight for national independence in the past and current development.

In his speech, the leader said his country is joining other ASEAN members in creating an ASEAN community by the end of this year, adding that they are striving to maintain peace, stability and maritime security, safety and freedom in the East Sea – the artery connecting the bloc with other regions, including Africa.

Vietnam consistently pursues peaceful settlement of disputes with respect to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, seriously and fully complies with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and promotes the completion of a code of conduct in the waters, the President said.

The country has been engaging in global policy making mechanisms in a proactive and responsible manner, he noted, adding that it is taking part in UN peacekeeping activities in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

Vietnam will participate in other similar activities in the future, especially in Africa, he said.

The event celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference (the Bandung conference) and the 10 th anniversary of the New Strategic Asian-African Partnership brought together leaders from 47 Asian countries and 44 African countries.

President meets State leaders on sidelines of Asian-African Conference

President Truong Tan Sang had meetings on April 22 with leaders and senior officials from a number of countries on the margins of the Asian-African Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Meeting Venezuelan Vice President Jorge Arreaza, President Truong Tan Sang said Vietnam consistently supports the constitutional government in Venezuela, expressing his hope that the country would overcome its difficulties and become more prosperous.

He spoke highly of the outcomes of the Vietnam visit by Vice President Elias Jaua in March as well as the third meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee.

The Vietnamese State leader stated that Vietnam is ready to assist Venezuela in boosting agricultural production and will continue to support Vietnamese enterprises in investing and seeking partners in Venezuela, especially in urban lighting, producing power-saving bulbs, polymer steel and construction materials.

He proposed that the Inter-Governmental Committee promote its efficiency to tap all partnership potential in agriculture, energy, telecommunications and construction.

Vietnam will work closely with Venezuela and other member countries to successfully organise the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in September, he said.

The Venezuelan Vice President said his country always attaches importance to developing ties with Vietnam. He agreed there is room for both sides to boost cooperation and concurred with the necessity of promoting the outcomes of the Inter-Governmental Meeting.

At a meeting with Angola Vice President Manuel Domingos Vicente, President Truong Tan Sang stated that Vietnam is keen to foster the traditional friendship with Angola, suggesting both sides reinforce political ties through high-level meetings.

The two countries should bolster economic, trade and investment relations, especially in telecommunications, agriculture and trade, he said, adding that setting up twin relations among their respective localities would be a good way to boost bilateral ties.

The Vietnamese leader also pointed to the need for both countries to coordinate closely and support each other at international forums.

He also proposed the Angolan Government create more favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country.

Vice President Manuel Domingos said leaders of his country hope to visit Vietnam more regularly to foster bilateral affiliations, especially in telecommunications, labour, mining and construction.

President Truong Tan Sang revealed that in July, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and Construction Ministry leaders will visit Angola to discuss specific cooperative plans in this field.

Both sides also vowed to work closely in organising activities to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

Meeting Tunisian Foreign Minister Teieb Baccouche, President Truong Tan Sang congratulated Tunisian people on their achievements in stabilising and developing the country.

He said Vietnam treasures its relations with Tunisia as one of traditional friends, saying the two countries should maintain and promote political collaboration while coordinating with and supporting each other at multilateral organisations and forums.

Both sides should finalise preparations for the third meeting of the bilateral Joint Committee to be held later this year in Tunisia, during which a number of documents are expected to be signed, laying a foundation for the promotion of all-around ties.

Baccouche agreed with the Vietnamese leaders on the need for strong preparations for the meeting, considering the event a chance for both sides to ramp up relations, especially in economics, trade and investment.

He suggested Vietnam open a representative office in Tunisia, saying the Vietnam-Tunisia relationship is a symbol of new Asia-Africa partnership.

VNA