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MFA welcomes vibrant ties between Belarus, Vietnam

MINSK, 24 January (BelTA) – Belarus-Vietnam cooperation has been rapidly developing, the head of the main directorate for Asia, Africa and Latin America at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Viktor Rybak said as he addressed a ceremony on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Belarus and Vietnam in the House of Friendship in Minsk on 24 January, BelTA has learned.

“Our bilateral cooperation spans a much longer period of time. It began in the times of the Soviet Union. Thousands of Vietnamese citizens have graduated from Belarusian universities. Belarusian natives helped Vietnam during the war and during the years of post-war recovery,” said Viktor Rybak.

He drew attention to the fact that the two countries have recently made great headway in economic development, and greatly strengthened their positions in the international arena. “We welcome the progress in the social and economic development of Vietnam. Belarus’ foreign policy has always been aimed at promoting constructive cooperation with that country. We view Vietnam as an influential state in Southeast Asia, our strategic partner and a credible participant in international relations,” Viktor Rybak said.

According to him, the two countries have similar views on virtually all issues on the international agenda. There are no political obstacles to cooperation and the high level of bilateral dialogue gives us reason to expect intensive development of economic relations, Viktor Rybak said. Vietnam is a traditional trading partner of Belarus in Southeast Asia. The economies of the two countries do not compete with each other in foreign markets but are complementary.

Viktor Rybak suggested switching from simple trade to new forms of interaction such as industrial cooperation. Belarus is already actively working on important bilateral projects which are seen as pilot projects. The construction of a joint venture to produce MAZ trucks in Vietnam is nearing completion. Belarusian buses designed to meet Vietnam’s requirements hum along the streets of Hanoi. A project to make dairy products from Belarusian raw materials is in progress.

Vietnamese Ambassador in Belarus Pham Hai also noted the importance of further development of cooperation in all areas.

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