Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) meets with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape. (Photo: VNA)

At a meeting with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape, Son affirmed that Vietnam wants to strengthen relations with South Pacific island countries, including Papua New Guinea, saying ample room remains for the bilateral cooperation, especially in economy, trade, agriculture and fisheries.

Marape said Papua New Guinea welcomes Vietnamese businesses to invest in fisheries, agriculture, and oil and gas, and that the country will send delegations of officials and businesses to Vietnam to explore cooperation opportunities.

Son proposed the two sides study the establishment of appropriate cooperation mechanisms and implement the already-signed memorandum of understanding on fishery cooperation, including the formation of a joint technical committee. He also suggested promoting negotiations and signing relevant documents in other key areas, which will serve as a basis for further collaboration.

Speaking highly of Papua New Guinea's contributions as ASEAN’s special observer, Son stressed that the two sides should continue their close coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums, especially within ASEAN-led mechanisms, the United Nations, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.      

FM Bui Thanh Son (R) meets with Canadian FM Mélanie Joly. (Photo: VNA)

Meeting with Canadian FM Mélanie Joly, the two ministers highly valued the positive development of the Vietnam-Canada comprehensive partnership over the past years, agreed on the need to put forth new orientations in alignment with the regional and international situation as well as the level of their relations.  

Son lauded the Canadian government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy that highlights ASEAN’s centrality, and agreed that the implementation of the strategy will open up new cooperation opportunities between Canada and ASEAN in general, and Vietnam in particular.

Joly said Vietnam is one of Canada's top three priority partners in the region, adding the two sides will promote all-level delegation exchanges, further tap their economic and trade potential through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and consider expanding cooperation in green energy and clean energy, and maritime collaboration.

Son suggested Canada create more favorable conditions and provide more scholarships for Vietnamese students, while supporting Vietnamese citizens to live, study and work in the country, thus contributing to the development of Canada as well as the bilateral friendship.

FM Bui Thanh Son meets with Turkish FM Hakan Fidan. (Photo: VNA)

On this occasion, Son also had a meeting with Turkish FM Hakan Fidan, during which the two ministers consented to step up all-level delegation exchanges, effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms, better optimize cooperation potential, and enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

He called on Turkish firms to increase investments in Vietnam, especially in the reciprocal fields.

Fidan said Vietnam’s dispatch of forces to aid Turkey following the devastating earthquake last February vividly demonstrated their friendship, noting both sides consider this an important premise to boost their relations in the time ahead.