VN, Panama look to broader cooperation

VGP– On the basis of their long-standing friendship, Viet Nam and Panama have many opportunities and potentials to bring the bilateral relationship to a new height, said PM Nguyen Tan Dung.

October 25, 2012 7:27 PM GMT+7

Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal (L) and PM Nguyen Tan Dung, Ha Noi on October 25, 2012 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

In his meeting with the visiting Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal in Ha Noi on October 25, PM Nguyen Tan Dung proposed that the two sides should further promote cooperation, first and foremost in the fields of economics, trade, investment and tourism.

The Vietnamese leader suggested that the Viet Nam-Panama Investment and Trade Cooperation Agreement should be signed as soon as possible while an intergovernmental committee for bilateral cooperation should be established.

The PM expressed his hope that Panama will support peace, stability and free maritime navigation in the East Sea.

President Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal, in his turn, said that he expects to consolidate and strengthen multi-faceted with Viet Nam through his first visit to the Southeast Asian country.

He highly appreciated the Vietnamese PM’s proposals for bilateral cooperation, pledging to put these proposals into reality, trying to reach an investment and trade agreement by late 2012.

The guest leader also asked Viet Nam to share experience of rice production and coffee cultivation.

Panama is ready to shake hands with Viet Nam in building ports, said President Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal. He also suggested the two countries enhance educational cooperation by exchanging students, teachers and lecturers.

By Xuan Hoang