MexicoCity (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son andhis Mexican counterpart Julian Ventura Valero have compared notes on measuresto strengthen relations between the two countries and foreign ministries.

Duringthe fifth political consultation between the two foreign ministries in MexicoCity on September 17, the officials discussed the East Sea situation, as wellas regional and international issues of shared concern.

Theysaid bilateral ties are developing fruitfully, especially in economy withtwo-way trade reaching 3.4 billion USD in 2018. Mexico is Vietnam’s secondlargest trade partner in Latin America.

Bothsides agreed to increase delegation exchanges and bilateral meetings, anddiscussed the establishment of a suitable framework to step up bilateralcollaboration.

Theywill also work together to improve the efficiency of existing mechanisms,especially the Joint Committee on Economy, Trade and Investment, and utilisethe Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership(CPTPP) of which both Vietnam and Mexico are members, to expand bilateraleconomic, trade and investment links.

Atthe same time, they will continue to perfect legal frameworks for long-termcooperation, and promote joint projects in agriculture, national defence,science-technology, culture, sports and tourism.

Thetwo sides agreed to coordinate to organise political, economic and culturalactivities, and people-to-people exchanges towards the 45th foundinganniversary of diplomatic relations next year (May 19, 1975).

Theyagreed on the principles of independence, self-reliance, peace and respect forinternational law in the settlement of regional and international issues.

Theycommitted to supporting each other at international organisations andmultilateral forums, especially the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific EconomicCooperation (APEC) forum and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation,and enhancing relations between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) and the Pacific Alliance.

Duringhis stay in Mexico from September 15-18, Son had a working session withPresident of the Foreign Affairs Asia – Pacific – Africa Commission at theMexican Senate Cora Cecilia Pinedo Alonso, Chairman of the Committee on ForeignAffairs of the Chamber of Deputies Alfredo Femat Banuelos, and leaders of theLabour Party of Mexico (PT).

Healso visited the Vietnamese Embassy and a photo exhibition on Vietnam, and laidwreaths at President Ho Chi Minh’s statue in Mexico City./.