VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers have agreed on specific measures to further promote bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the future.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Foreign Minister K. Gryshchenko. (Photo: VOV)

At the talks between the two FMs, the two sides informed each other about the situation in their respective countries and external policies, and reviewed bilateral cooperation.

They highlighted the results of cooperation through high-level visits, providing fresh impetus for enhancing cooperation in various fields.

Both sides praised the establishment of the strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Ukraine under the joint statement of the two former Prime Ministers during the official visit to Vietnam by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in March 2011. They also highlighted the result of PM Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to Ukraine in October last year, describing this as a breakthrough for bilateral ties in the new situation.

The two FMs discussed ways to boost Vietnam-Ukraine cooperation in economics, trade, investment, education and training, and science and technology, and agreed to coordinate their actions at international forums. They also exchanged measures to increase cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries and to effectively implement the cooperation plan for the 2011-2012 period.

After the talks, the two sides released a press communiqué on the outcome of the Ukrainian FM’s visit, affirming that the two foreign ministries will continue to play an active role in encouraging relevant ministries and sectors to implement the agreements reached during the visits by Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and PM Nguyen Tan Dung last year, with the aim of bringing Vietnam and Ukraine relations to a higher level.

At the March 7 reception for Ukrainian FM K. Gryshchenko, PM Dung affirmed that Vietnam is ready to cooperate with Ukraine to help it expand cooperative relations with ASEAN nations.

PM Dung proposed accelerating negotiations towards signing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and asked Ukraine to create the best possible conditions for Vietnamese goods, especially seafood, to penetrate the Ukrainian market, and to increase scholarships for Vietnamese students and help overseas Vietnamese integrate into the country, thus contributing to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

FM Gryshchenko said his country is willing to cooperate with Vietnam in areas of its strength such as energy, machinery assembly and science and technology.

He expressed his hope that Ukraine will continue to receive support from Vietnam at regional and international forums and proposed that the two countries pay more attention to exchange visits between high-level delegations to promote bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding.

VietNamNet/VOV