Ambassador of Việt Nam to Mexico and Guatemala Nguyễn Văn Hải (left) presents the letter of credence from State President Lương Cường to Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo. — VNA/VNS Photo Phi Hùng

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam always attaches importance to and wishes to further strengthen its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Guatemala as well as other countries in Central America, Ambassador of Việt Nam to Mexico and Guatemala Nguyễn Văn Hải has said.

Hải made the remark at a ceremony held on Friday (local time), during which he presented the letter of credence from State President Lương Cường to Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo.

Hải stressed that Việt Nam stood ready to work closely with the Guatemalan Government and relevant agencies to promote the exchange of delegations at all levels, enhance political dialogue, and expand cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, tourism, culture and people-to-people exchange. He noted that Guatemala had considerable potential and strengths in agriculture, exports and tourism, and affirmed Việt Nam’s wish to serve as a bridge to promote cooperation between Guatemala and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the wider Southeast Asian region.

President Bernardo Arévalo congratulated the diplomat on assuming his post, affirming that the Guatemalan Government looks forward to working closely with him to promote bilateral relations in a more substantive, effective and sustainable manner, for the benefit of the two countries’ people.

During his stay in Guatemala, the Vietnamese diplomat also held working sessions with the Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of political parties, competent agencies and local businesses. At the meetings, he briefed the Guatemalan side on Việt Nam’s situation, including the country’s active preparations for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Việt Nam.

The ambassador underlined that the congress would be a particularly important political event, helping to set the directions for Việt Nam’s development in the new period, while demonstrating the country’s determination to continue its renewal policy, deepen international integration and pursue sustainable development.

Leaders and representatives of Guatemalan agencies and organisations expressed appreciation of Việt Nam’s socio-economic achievements in recent years. They said they wish the 14th National Party Congress success, helping Việt Nam continue stable development while enhancing its role and standing on the international stage.

While in Guatemala, Hải also held working sessions with the Guatemalan Deputy Foreign Minister and heads of units in charge of bilateral relations, and met with the local business community and tourism authorities to discuss concrete measures to promote cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment and tourism. — VNA/VNS