Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s activities on the sidelines of expanded BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 24 (local time) had separate meetings with President of Belarus Aleksander Lukashenko, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, and Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Council Bakytzhan Sagintayev, on the sidelines of expanded BRICS Summit hosted by Russia in its Kazan city, according to reports from the Vietnam News Agency.

During the meeting with President Aleksander Lukashenko, the Vietnamese PM reaffirmed that Vietnam highly values its traditional friendship and cooperation with Belarus, which have been nurtured by leaders and people of both countries over the past 30 years, and wishes to enhance cooperation with Belarus, including the exchange of delegations at levels and through channels to strengthen collaboration in all areas.

PM Chinh underlined the complementary nature of the two economies, suggesting boosting economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Belarus.

Meanwhile, the President of Belarus affirmed that Belarus always values and wishes to expand cooperation in various fields with Vietnam.

President Lukashenko expressed his admiration for achievements Vietnam has obtained in socio-economic development, improvement of people's life as well as the strengthening of the country's international prestige and position.

He proposed increasing collaboration in automobile production for export, as well as in investment, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.

At the meeting between PM Pham Minh Chinh and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the two leaders expressed their pleasure at the development of the two countries’ relations over the past three decades since their diplomatic ties were established.

The Vietnamese leader expressed his hope that both sides would continue to build on their political foundation and encourage visits and exchanges at various levels to create momentum for better bilateral cooperation in areas that align with their strengths and needs.

The Uzbek President, for his part, stated that Vietnam is a reliable partner of Uzbekistan in Asia and hoped that Vietnam will act as a bridge for Uzbekistan to expand its cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Both leaders agreed that there is ample room for collaboration and each country is able to complement the other. They agreed to strengthen the legal framework for cooperation and noted that there have been positive trends in economic and trade ties recently.

They also discussed expanding joint work into other potential areas such as oil and gas, education and training, cultural exchange, tourism, and people-to-people exchange, as well as the possibility of direct flights between the two countries.

During the meeting with the Venezuelan President, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always treasures the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership with Venezuela.

The PM expressed his hope that the bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties will grow more intensively, for the sake of both countries' people.

For his part, President Maduro congratulated Vietnam on its remarkable socio-economic achievements over the past decade and suggested the country share its development experience.

He said Venezuela attaches importance to the solidarity and long-standing friendship with Vietnam, and wishes to enhance collaboration in all areas for mutual growth. The President also suggested further cooperation between the United Socialist Party of Venezuela and the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The two leaders noted with pleasure the positive development in their bilateral relationship and affirmed their determination to further enhance cooperation, making it more intensive, effective, and comprehensive.

They agreed to convene the next session of the Intergovernmental Committee to promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Additionally, they committed to the effective implementation of existing agreements, particularly in agriculture, oil and gas, and telecommunications, while exploring opportunities for collaboration in new and promising spheres.

At his meeting with Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) Council Bakytzhan Sagintayev, the Vietnamese PM emphasized Vietnam's high regard for the EEC's role in promoting the effective implementation of the Vietnam - Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (VN-EAEU FTA).

He highlighted that after nearly a decade of enforcement, the agreement has helped establish a solid framework for cooperation to deepen relations between Vietnam and the EAEU member states, bringing many tangible benefits to both sides.

Meanwhile, Mr. Sagintayev noted the positive impact of the FTA on trade growth. He expressed delight at the increase in bilateral trade from $1.8 billion in 2021 to $6.8 billion in 2023 and showed the confidence that cooperation between Vietnam and the EAEU will continue to flourish.

Both sides agreed to continue effectively implementing the VN-EAEU FTA to meet the growing cooperation demand and economic potential of Vietnam and the EAEU. They also agreed to further open markets, resolve trade barriers in a timely manner, and address challenges related to payment mechanisms, transportation, and the mobility of people and entrepreneurs.