Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (R) receives visiting President of the Senate of Haiti Youri Latortue in Hà Nội yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI – The Vietnamese government wants to strengthen practical and effective relations with Haiti, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said yesterday.

At a reception in Hà Nội, he hailed the visit by Youri Latortue, visiting President of the Senate of Haiti, saying it would open new period of strengthening bilateral parliamentary ties.

He also said that the visit will lead to concrete steps being taken to strengthen relations between the two legislatures and governments. 
Phuc noted the gradual refinement of legal frameworks and bilateral co-operation mechanisms, including the signing of the government-level framework agreement on trade and investment and the establishment of the Inter-Committee on Economic Co-operation and Investment Protection. The two sides have also actively negotiated a co-operation agreement on culture, sports and tourism, he said. 
Phuc wished that the two nations would effectively implement signed agreements, including a memorandum of understanding on rice trade signed in December 2012. 
Việt Nam and Haiti should maintain close links at international organisations and multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations, he said.

The PM suggested that more attention be paid to partnerships in telecommunications, agriculture, construction, tourism infrastructure, culture, energy, electrical equipment, constructional materials and consumer goods. 
Latortue praised the regular exchange of high-level delegations and collaboration in telecommunications and agriculture. 
He said his visit aims to further foster political, cultural, diplomatic ties with Việt Nam, and hoped that Việt Nam will open an embassy in Haiti soon to promote all-around links. 
Informing the PM of talks held with National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân, Latortue said both sides have agreed to establish the Việt Nam-Haiti Parliamentarians’ Friendship Group. 
He pledged all possible support to Vietnamese telecom firm Viettel in Haiti.

He also expressed his wish that the Vietnamese government directs the group to further expand its social investments, contributing to poverty reduction in Haiti. 
Haiti considers Viettel’s involvement in Natcom joint-venture an outstanding symbol of bilateral ties, he said. 
Latortue said Haiti will continue buying rice from Việt Nam, and asked for Việt Nam’s support in high-yield rice production. 
Yesterday morning, the Haitian legislator paid floral tributes to late President Hồ Chi Minh at his mausoleum and attended the NA’s plenary session. — VNS