Vietnamese foreign minister Bùi Thanh Sơn and his Lithuanian counterpart Gabrielius Landsbergis signed cooperation agreement between the two foreign ministries following the talks on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam and Lithuania are looking forward to amping up economic cooperation to diversify the countries’ supply chains, as discussed in the talks between Vietnamese foreign minister Bùi Thanh Sơn and his Lithuanian counterpart Gabrielius Landsbergis on Wednesday. 

This is the first official visit by a Lithuanian foreign minister to Việt Nam since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992. 

Minister Landsbergis said that Lithuania always treasures its relations with Việt Nam, one of its partners of priority in Southeast Asia. 

Minister Sơn also said that Việt Nam hoped to strengthen cooperation in all aspects with Lithuania, a long-term economic partner of the country in central and eastern Europe. 

The two foreign ministers also agreed on measures to promote bilateral collaboration, such as high-level delegation exchanges, political consultation mechanisms and cooperation agreements between the two foreign ministries.

The two leaders expressed hope that the two countries will support and coordinate with each other on multilateral and international forums such as the United Nations (UN), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and within the framework of the ASEAN-EU relations. 

Minister Sơn also expressed his gratitude towards Lithuania for its active support to Việt Nam during the negotiations and signing of the European Union-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Lithuania is also one of the first European Union members to ratify the EU-Việt Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The Vietnamese diplomat also requested Lithuania to recognise Việt Nam’s efforts in implementing the European Commission’s recommendations on sustainable development of the fishery industry, and support the removal of the “yellow card” for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing on Vietnamese seafood products. 

Minister Landsbergis asked that Việt Nam facilitate the access of Lithuanian agricultural products, including meat, poultry, eggs and fertilisers, into the Vietnamese market, which is considered one of the most potentials in Southeast Asia. 

The two officials also agreed on stronger cooperation in advanced technology, education and training, culture and tourism.

Minister Sơn also asked for the Lithuanian government support to the Vietnamese community in the European country, noting that this group plays a positive role in socio-economic development and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. 

Discussing regional and international issues of mutual interests, the two foreign ministers highlighted the importance of addressing disputes through peaceful means and based on international laws, especially the UN Charter. 

Lithuanian foreign minister Landsbergis also attends the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Southeast Asia Ministerial Forum in Hà Nội from October 25-26. — VNS