HÀ NỘI — Despite their geographical distance, Việt Nam and Argentina share historical similarities and enjoy lasting friendship and solidarity, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hà Kim Ngọc affirmed.

The deputy minister attended a reception on Thursday to celebrate the 207th anniversary of the May Revolution of 1810 of Argentina.

Argentina and Việt Nam established diplomatic relations in 1973 and have enjoyed a solid relationship based on friendship, mutual respect, co-operation, shared values ​​and common interests.

The deputy minister said Việt Nam wishes to express its gratitude to the Government of Argentina for providing training and sharing experience in the areas of anthropology and forensic science to identify missing Vietnamese soldiers.

“In the hearts and minds of every Vietnamese, Argentina is a beautiful, hospitable and freedom-loving nation,” he said.

The two countries have enjoyed the dynamism and intensity of the relationship in all areas.

“The celebration of our National Day is a special occasion, particularly this year, because we commemorate 20 years of the establishment of our embassy in Việt Nam (February 1997). And when we look back on these 20 years of a permanent presence in Hà Nội and our longstanding mutual collaboration, I can only vow to strengthen the achievements and to work harder in areas that have not been explored to their full potential,” Argentina’s Ambassador Joan Carlos Valle Raleigh said.

At the event, the ambassador said Argentina looked forward to the possibility of Vietnamese investment in Argentina, as well as Argentinean investment in Việt Nam in fields such as communications and energy.

Tourism, culture and sport, in particular, have brought the two countries increasingly closer.

“Việt Nam has become one of Argentina’s favorite tourist destinations, attracted by its natural beauty, the kindness of its people and the combination of a millennial tradition with modern development of a thriving society,” the ambassador said.

He added that Việt Nam has also always been extremely receptive to the cultural expressions of Argentina and the Latin American Region. Through events such as Latin American cinema festivals, tango festivals, academic activities and gastronomic events, and more recently, the visit of Argentina’s U-20 football team, Argentina intends to share its culture and traditions with friends from Việt Nam.

“In this regard, we welcome and will provide full support to Vietnamese cultural activities in our country,” the ambassador said.

Meanwhile, at the event on Thursday night, invitees had the opportunity to enjoy a tango performance by famous Argentinean duo Julieta Biscione and Roberto Castillo. Tonight (Friday night), as part of events being held to celebrate Argentina’s National Day, this famous Argentinean dance duo, along with Hanoian artists, will perform free of charge for the public at the intersection of the Hàng Dầu and Đinh Tiên Hoàng streets near Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hà Nội from 8pm. — VNS