HÀ NỘI – Việt Nam considers Argentina its most important partner in Latin America and hopes to consolidate the bilateral strategic partnership, particularly in economics, trade and investment, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thi Kim Ngân has said.

Welcoming visiting Argentine President Mauricio Macri in Hà Nội on Wednesday, Chairwoman Ngân said Việt Nam has not forgotten and treasures the support of the Argentine people during its past struggle for national liberation.

The Chairwoman showed her delight at positive developments in bilateral relations. Political ties have been intensified through regular delegation exchanges and bilateral meetings on the sidelines of international events, she said, adding that two-way trade has increased rapidly, doubling in value over five years to reach US$2.9 billion in 2018.

President Macri confirmed Argentina wants to strengthen its co-operation with Việt Nam, currently its fifth largest trade partner in the world and the second in Asia.

Informing the host of the positive outcomes of his talks with Vietnamese Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng, President Macri voiced his hope that with the backing of the Vietnamese legislature, both sides will be able to enhance trade and investment ties, and the relationship between the two legislative bodies will be tightened.

He affirmed his support for solving disputes related to sovereignty and territory through peaceful negotiations and in accordance with international law.

In turn, the Vietnamese top legislator suggested both sides step up the exchange of delegations at all levels, and maintain and increase the efficiency of co-operation mechanisms like the Inter-Governmental Committee and political consultation at the deputy foreign ministerial level.

The solid political relationship will act as a foundation to develop economic, trade and investment ties, she noted.

The Chairwoman took the occasion to thank Argentina for backing Việt Nam’s candidacy to a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021. In the evening, Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng and his wife hosted a banquet to welcome the Argentine President and his spouse. – VNS