The Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegation led by Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc and their Brazilian counterparts affirmed that the political consultation mechanism is an important activity that should be maintained and hold regularly.
They agreed that cooperative ties have grown steadily with two-way trade exceeding US$3 billion in 2016, up 30% compared with the level in 2013. However, economic and investment cooperation remains modest far from matching the two countries’ potential, especially in agriculture, manufacturing and processing industries, energy and clean fuels, bio-technology, aviation and infrastructure construction.
They consented to continue intensify the exchange of delegations at all levels. The Brazilian Foreign Minister plans to visit Vietnam late this year to deepen bilateral relations and accelerate the signing of several agreements, including an agreement on investment protection and encouragement, a deal on double taxation avoidance, and cooperation documents related to agriculture, education, maritime shipping and tourism.
The two sides underlined the need for the two Governments to create favourable conditions for their business communities to get access to each other’s market. Regarding the multilateral cooperation, both sides greatly valued close coordination at international organisations and multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations and its subordinate agencies, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, affirming that Vietnam and Brazil support each other in stepping up cooperation in Southeast Asia and Latin America. They affirmed their stance on supporting the settlement of sovereign disputes through dialogues and by peaceful means and observing international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS).
Ngoc and his delegation visited Brazil from June 29-30, during which they paid a courtesy visit to Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes Ferreira, held talks with his counterpart Georges Lamaziere, and worked with leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply.
