Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh (right) holds talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Botswana Unity Dow in Hà Nội on Monday. VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Botswana Unity Dow in in Hà Nội on Monday.

Minh hailed the visit which comes at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 10th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Việt Nam welcomes and offers all possible support for firms to intensify co-operation at home and abroad, he said, suggesting both sides should help firms with market survey and business promotion activities.

He hailed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Botswana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and proposed accelerating talks for the signing of a framework agreement on economic, cultural, education, information technology cooperation; an investment encouragement and protection agreement; and a double taxation avoidance agreement.

The host spoke highly of the collaboration between the two nations at multilateral forums, and Botswana’s active role in the Southern African Development Community.

He expressed his wish for the African nation’s support when Việt Nam assumes the role of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and establishes a formal relationship with the African Union in the near future.

Dow wished Việt Nam would enhance co-ordination with Botswana in agriculture, information technology, education-training, tourism and healthcare.

She welcomed Vietnamese enterprises to Botswana to do business and said her country wanted to learn from  Việt Nam’s development experience.

Both sides agreed on measures to deepen bilateral links, including facilitating the exchange of delegations.

On regional and global matters, including the East Sea issue, they highlighted the importance of peace, stability, security, maritime safety and freedom in line with international law.

On the occasion, they signed a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders.

Meeting with PM

Việt Nam and Botswana have enormous potential to enhance collaboration in fields of their strengths like agriculture, seafood and healthcare, among others, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said while meeting Dow earlier the same day.

PM Phúc said as two-way trade is still modest, both sides should work to complete the legal framework on economy and investment to boost co-operation in the sectors.
He asked Botswana to help Vietnamese products such as food, consumer goods and electronic spare parts to penetrate the African market.

Việt Nam stands ready to serve as a bridge to connect Botswana and other ASEAN member states, he stressed.
Dow said she believed her visit to Việt Nam will help promote bilateral relations, saying the signing of the agreement on visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders between the two foreign ministries will open new opportunities, and facilitate exchanges in all sectors.
Botswana wants more all-round collaboration with Việt Nam, she said. — VNS