Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (right) and Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi met on Thursday in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam always treasures its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính affirmed while receiving Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi in Hà Nội on Thursday.

Having lauded strong development steps in the bilateral political and diplomatic ties over the past three decades, PM Chính suggested the two sides further promote the exchange of delegations at all levels, and support each other at multilateral forums and international organisations, particularly the United Nations and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

Expressing his pleasure at positive progress in the bilateral economic and trade collaboration, especially after a free trade agreement between Việt Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) took effect in 2016. In 2021, two-way trade exceeded US$630 million, tripling the figure recorded before the pact came into force.

The Government leader proposed Kazakhstan create favourable conditions for products of Việt Nam’s strength like farm produce, seafood, apparel, and wooden products, to approach its market.

He recommended the two sides collaborate and push for the amendment of the Việt Nam-EAEU Free Trade Agreement to facilitate their bilateral trade and investment ties.

It is also necessary to promote the role of the Việt Nam-Kazakhstan intergovernmental committee for economic-commercial and scientific-technological  cooperation; negotiate and sign an agreement on visa exemption for their citizens; and soon coordinate to launch railway and direct flight routes between the countries, the PM said.

Agreeing with PM Chính’s suggestions, Tileuberdi stated Kazakhstan wants to fortify the friendship and cooperation with Việt Nam, particularly in economy, trade, and investment.

There remains large room for partnership in such fields as agriculture, tourism, transport, finance, and clean energy, the official noted.

The host and guest also spent time discussing international and regional matters of mutual concern, including the South China Sea issue.

On this occasion, Tileuberdi conveyed the Kazakh PM’s invitation to PM Chính to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan at an appropriate time. — VNS