VietNamNet Bridge – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on June 7 held a reception for Speaker Wesley W. Simina of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia, who was leading a high-ranking delegation on an official visit to Vietnam from June 5-15.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (r) receives Speaker Wesley W. Simina of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia on June 7. — VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

Taking into account the comprehensive and extensive talks of the delegation with the Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and other specific proposals for enhancing bilateral relations, the Prime Minister emphasised that Vietnam attaches great importance to developing the relationship and multi-faceted cooperation with the Federated States of Micronesia.

The PM also expressed his belief that the visit by the Micronesian guest will help tighten the relations between the two countries and the two legislatures.

“The visit is hoped to chart a new chapter for cooperation between the two parliaments in particular, and the two countries in general,” said Wesley W. Simina.

He said the two countries have exchanged visits, cooperated in agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, environment, and climate change while their law-making bodies have set up active cooperation mechanisms.

He said he expected that exchanges, people-to-people activities and cooperation in education, economy and trade will be promoted in the future.

Wesley W. Simina expressed his hope to boost cooperation and twinning relations between Micronesian and Vietnamese localities.

PM Phuc agreed with the guest’s opinions and said the two countries need to increase the sharing of experience in national development.

As geographical distance is not favourable for the bilateral cooperation to grow as expected, ministries, sectors and localities of the two countries should be proactive in exploring cooperation opportunities, he said.

He suggested that the two sides launch negotiations on some cooperation agreements to provide a legal foundation to accelerate the trading in farm produce, consumer products, and agricultural machinery, and seek to invest in infrastructure construction, tourism and telecoms.

“Vietnam wants to share its experience in cooperation in areas with potential, like agriculture, aquaculture, seafood processing, industrial tree plantation, tourism development, education and training,” he affirmed.

The PM suggested that the two countries continue working together and supporting each other at regional and multilateral forums and organisations.

He hoped Micronesia will back Vietnam’s bid to run for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council in 2020-21.

He asked Micronesia to support the stance and effort of Vietnam and ASEAN in maintaining peace, stability, maritime and overflight freedom, security and safety in the East Sea, stating that Vietnam welcomes effort of all countries to contribute to the work.

President offers to share rice growing experience with Micronesia

President Tran Dai Quang (R) and Speaker of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley Simina 

President Tran Dai Quang told Speaker of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia Wesley Simina that Vietnam is willing to share experience with Micronesia in rice farming and aquaculture, which are Vietnam’s strengths. 

Hosting a reception in Hanoi on June 8 for the visiting Micronesian top legislator, the President expressed his belief that the visit will strengthen Vietnam – Micronesia ties in general, and ties between the two legislatures in particular. 

The State leader said that Vietnam welcomes efforts of the two countries’ ministries, agencies and localities to foster cooperation. 

The two countries need to establish several cooperation mechanisms and sign framework agreements to lay foundation for their partnership, such as agreements on investment protection, double taxation avoidance and technical cooperation, towards boosting bilateral economic, trade and investment ties, he said. 

President Quang wished that the two countries will facilitate trade in farm produce, consumer goods, agricultural machinery, and promote investment in infrastructure, tourism and telecommunications while bolstering ties in promising fields such as agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, seafood processing, tourism, oil and gas exploration and exploitation, and education-training. 

Speaking highly of Micronesia’s support to Vietnam at regional and global forums, the President asked Micronesia to continue to back Vietnam’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure. 

Simina, for his part, said his visit aims to promote the exchange of visits at all levels between the two legislatures. 

He stressed that Micronesia wants to promote collaboration in fields of Vietnam’s strength such as agriculture, marine-based economy and education-training. 

He thanked Vietnam for assisting Micronesia in climate change response. 

The guest said his delegation had gained experience in socio-economic and tourism development during their trips to Vietnamese localities such as Hai Phong, Hanoi, Lao Cai and Ho Chi Minh City.

He expressed the wish that both sides would reinforce collaboration among localities and boost people-to-people exchange. 

He affirmed that Micronesia will support Vietnam’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure.

VNS/VNA