Diplomatic officials seek measures to boost Vietnam-Uganda ties
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Cuong had talks with Ugandan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello in Hanoi on January 24, discussing measures to promote bilateral cooperation.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Cuong (R) greets Ugandan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello in Hanoi on January 24 (Photo: vov.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Minister ofForeign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Cuong had talks with Ugandan State Minister forForeign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello in Hanoi on January 24, discussing measuresto promote bilateral cooperation.
Cuong highly valued Okello’s official visit toVietnam, saying that this is the first governmental-level delegation exchangebetween the two countries since they set up their diplomatic ties in 1973.
He thanked Uganda for supporting Vietnam’scandidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for2020-2021.
The Ugandan official said he is delighted tovisit Vietnam and have a chance to learn more about Vietnam’s history,including its heroic fight for national independence. He affirmed that thestruggle was a great source of inspiration for African countries, includingUganda, to fight for their independence.
He pledged Uganda will continue coordinatingclosely with Vietnam at international and regional organisations andmultilateral forums, especially the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement and theSouth-South cooperation framework.
At the talks, the two sides informed each otherabout their respective countries’ situation and discussed several internationaland regional issues.
They looked into ways to enhance bilateralconnections, focusing on some areas matching both sides’ strength and demandlike politics-diplomacy, trade-investment, defence and agriculture.
As bilateral cooperation remains modest, theofficials agreed to increase delegation exchanges at all levels and encouragemutual visits by Vietnamese and Ugandan parliamentarians and people-to-peopleexchange.
Deputy Minister Cuong said to help step up tieswith Uganda, Vietnam assigned an honorary consul in the African nation in 2017.It hopes Uganda will also appoint an honorary consul or open a trade office inVietnam so as to create more channels for connecting the two countries’ businesscircles.
The Ugandan State Minister for Foreign Affairsis paying an official visit to Vietnam from January 24 to 27. He is accompaniedby State Minister for Defence Charles Okello Engola and Honorary Consul ofVietnam in the country King Ceasor.
During his stay, the Ugandan guest will pay a courtesy call to Deputy PrimeMinister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and have working sessions with theMinistry of National Defence and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.-VNA
Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania Nguyen Kim Doanh paid a courtesy call to Uganda’s Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, who expressed his wish that relations between Vietnam and Uganda will be enhanced soon.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Uganda Nguyen Kim Doanh said Vietnam always treasures relations with African nations, including Uganda, while presenting credentials to President Museveni of Uganda
Cooperation in trade and investment between Vietnam and Africa, especially East Africa, has yet to meet the two sides’ potential, Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania, cum Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, Uganda and Comoros Nguyen Kim Doanh has said.
The Vietnam-Africa Friendship and Cooperation Association has held its third national congress for the 2018-2023 tenure to seek to promote cooperation between Vietnam and African countries.
Bilateral trade between Vietnam and African nations hit 6.6 billion USD in 2018, with Vietnam’s exports worth 3 billion USD, up 10 percent from the previous year.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Cuong (R) greets Ugandan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello in Hanoi on January 24 (Photo: vov.vn) 
