Viet Nam-Timor Leste trade increases despite COVID-19
VGP – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh expressed his pleasure at the increasing trade between Viet Nam and Timor Leste even in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic during his virtual talks with Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor Leste, Adaljiza Albertina Xavier Reis Magno on January 12.
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Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at the online talks with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste, Adaljiza Albertina Xavier Reis Magno. Photo: VGP |
Viet Nam is ready to support Timor Leste and actively cooperate with the country in the areas of its demand, such as agriculture, fisheries, oil and gas, he said, suggesting the two sides establish specific mechanisms to effectively tap into their huge cooperation potential.
The Deputy PM asked Timor Leste to soon ratify the bilateral trade agreement inked in 2013; sign a bilateral investment protection agreement and another agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders; facilitate operations of Vietnamese enterprises in Timor Leste, including Viettel Telemor; and deal with emerging issues in line with laws and in the spirit of the two countries’ sound cooperation.
Meanwhile, Timor Leste FM congratulated Viet Nam on its success in the role of ASEAN Chair 2020, especially the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and thanked the country for promoting the organization of two teleconferences between representatives of the ASEAN Community’s economic and socio-cultural pillars and Timor Leste last year.
Timor Leste considers joining ASEAN one of the top priorities in its foreign policy, she stated, appreciating Viet Nam’s assistance when her country faced difficulties, including exporting rice to help Timor Leste ensure domestic food security.
The officials agreed to enhance the two foreign ministries’ role in implementing multifaceted cooperation and soon establish a joint committee for bilateral cooperation to create a framework for furthering ties in the fields matching their countries’ potential and demand such as agriculture, fisheries, textile & garment, consumer goods, industrial machinery, electrical devices, and oil and gas.
They also pledged to effectively implement the 2015 deal on cooperation in rice trading and create favorable conditions for Timor Leste students to study in Viet Nam.
Viet Nam and Timor-Leste will continue to work closely together and support each other at regional and international organisations and forums, especially at the United Nations, they affirmed.
Deputy PM, FM Minh welcomed and voiced support for Timor Leste’s aspiration to become a member of ASEAN./.
By Vien Nhu
