Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (r) receives Speaker Wesley W. Simina of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia on June 7. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on June 7 held a reception for Speaker Wesley W. Simina of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia, who was leading a high-ranking delegation on an official visit to Việt Nam from June 5-15.

Taking into account the comprehensive and extensive talks of the delegation with the Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân and other specific proposals for enhancing bilateral relations, the Prime Minister emphasised that Việt Nam attaches great importance to developing the relationship and multi-faceted cooperation with the Federated States of Micronesia.

The PM also expressed his belief that the visit by the Micronesian guest will help tighten the relations between the two countries and the two legislatures.

“The visit is hoped to chart a new chapter for cooperation between the two parliaments in particular, and the two countries in general,” said Wesley W. Simina.

He said the two countries have exchanged visits, cooperated in agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, environment, and climate change while their law-making bodies have set up active cooperation mechanisms.

He said he expected that exchanges, people-to-people activities and cooperation in education, economy and trade will be promoted in the future.

Wesley W. Simina expressed his hope to boost cooperation and twinning relations between Micronesian and Vietnamese localities.

PM Phúc agreed with the guest’s opinions and said the two countries need to increase the sharing of experience in national development.

As geographical distance is not favourable for the bilateral cooperation to grow as expected, ministries, sectors and localities of the two countries should be proactive in exploring cooperation opportunities, he said.

He suggested that the two sides launch negotiations on some cooperation agreements to provide a legal foundation to accelerate the trading in farm produce, consumer products, and agricultural machinery, and seek to invest in infrastructure construction, tourism and telecoms.

“Việt Nam wants to share its experience in cooperation in areas with potential, like agriculture, aquaculture, seafood processing, industrial tree plantation, tourism development, education and training,” he affirmed.

The PM suggested that the two countries continue working together and supporting each other at regional and multilateral forums and organisations.

He hoped Micronesia will back Việt Nam’s bid to run for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council in 2020-21.

He asked Micronesia to support the stance and effort of Việt Nam and ASEAN in maintaining peace, stability, maritime and overflight freedom, security and safety in the East Sea, stating that Việt Nam welcomes effort of all countries to contribute to the work. — VNS