President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins (L) and Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. (Photo: VNA)

FM Son, who is  visiting Ireland, said he hopes that through the visit, the two sides will review and set out major orientations and measures to enhance the relationship comprehensively and intensively, for the sake of their people.

The minister suggested the President support joint efforts in stepping up all-level delegation exchanges and contacts, and raise his voice for the Irish parliament to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). He also expressed his hope for stronger collaboration in education-training, as well as further culture and art exchanges, and connectivity between localities of the two countries.

Son proposed the host leader continue his support for Vietnam as a priority partner in development cooperation policies in the time ahead, and help the country in human resources development, digital transformation, and high-tech agriculture.

The President of Ireland agreed to foster bilateral cooperation and connectivity with Vietnam across spheres, especially economy, people-to-people exchange, and education-training.

He commended contributions by the Vietnamese community in Ireland to the country, and pledged to create favorable conditions for them to further integrate into the host society, study and work there, serving as a bridge in the bilateral friendship.