Deputy Foreign MinisterHa Kim Ngoc have agreed on a proposal to facilitate visits at alllevels and establish effective cooperation mechanisms with Panama in arecent political consultation with his Panamanian counterpart LuisMiguel Hincapie.

This was the first consultation since the twonations signed a memorandum of understanding on launching the mechanismin October 2012, forming part of activities to celebrate the 40thanniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year.

InPanama City, both sides were committed to strengthening interactionsbetween ministries, agencies and business communities, and fine-tuninglegal regulations to pave way for the signing of wide-ranging agreementson finance, investment and education.

To gear up for theanniversary, activities such as friendship gatherings, trade andinvestment promotion, cultural and arts exchanges are also in thepipeline.

Turning attention to global and regional issues ofshared concern, they vowed to back each other’s bid for membership toseveral United Nations mechanisms and work closely together atmultilateral forums.

Panama keeps track of the EastSea issue and supports the settlement of disputes by peaceful meansand in line with international law, the host told Ngoc.

Whilein Panama from November 21-22, Ngoc also paid courtesy calls toPanamanian Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel Saint Malo deAlvarado and President of the National Assembly Adolfo Valderrama.

Meeting with the executive board of the Panama-Vietnam FriendshipAssociation, the Deputy FM said in full confidence that the associationwill continue playing its constructive part in the growing economic,trade, cultural, tourism ties between the two nations.-VNA