Ambassador Saadi Salama: Palestinian Foreign Minister's visit to Vietnam will elevate bilateral relations to new heights
WVR - Ahead of the first official visit to Vietnam by the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin from November 25-27, Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama spoke with the World and Vietnam Report about the significance of the visit and the traditional friendship between the two countries.
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| Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama affirms that the visit will elevate bilateral relations to new heights and contribute practically to peace and stability in the Middle East. (Source: Palestinian Embassy in Vietnam) |
Could you share the significance and main focus of the upcoming visit to Vietnam by the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin?
The visit to Vietnam by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin holds immense significance for the traditional friendship between Palestine and Vietnam. It is an opportunity for both sides to further strengthen the close relationship built over decades, while opening a new phase of substantive and extensive cooperation amidst regional volatility. During meetings in Hanoi, Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin will focus on three main areas.
Firstly, both sides will discuss the situation in Palestine following the implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza, the latest developments, and diplomatic efforts by Palestine to consolidate peace, protect its people, and promote a two-state solution based on ending the occupation and adhering to international law.
Secondly, the visit provides an opportunity for both sides to discuss the broader Middle East situation in the post-war period. They will share perspectives on security and humanitarian challenges and regional issues, while discussing measures to contribute to long-term peace and stability. With its active role in ASEAN and the United Nations, Vietnam is a trusted partner for Palestine. Both sides will also exchange views on issues of mutual concern amidst complex regional and international developments.
Thirdly, the reconstruction of Gaza is a crucial topic. Humanitarian aid, infrastructure recovery, healthcare, education, and community development are urgently needed. We wish to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in areas where Vietnam excels, particularly in human resource training, healthcare system development, especially in rehabilitation and post-conflict recovery support.
Additionally, the visit will promote cooperation in economic, cultural, educational fields, and people-to-people exchanges.
I believe that Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin's visit to Vietnam, as the Palestinian Embassy prepares for a series of activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) representative office, now the Palestinian State Embassy in Hanoi (1976-2026), demonstrates Palestine's special regard for Vietnam's role and prestige in the region and on the international stage. The visit will elevate Palestine-Vietnam bilateral relations to new heights and contribute practically to peace and stability in the Middle East.
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| Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. (Source: ZM) |
How do you assess the traditional friendship between Vietnam and the State of Palestine in recent times?
The traditional friendship with Vietnam has always been a focal point in Palestine's foreign policy. It is a relationship built on deep empathy between two nations sharing a common struggle for national independence, freedom, and resistance against foreign aggression. These similar historical experiences have forged a strong bond and political trust between Palestine and Vietnam.
When discussing the relationship between the two countries, we remember and cherish the special role of leader Yasser Arafat, a symbol of solidarity between Vietnam and Palestine. As early as the 1960s, Chairman Yasser Arafat and pioneering Palestinian leaders visited Vietnam multiple times, meeting with Vietnamese leaders during the resistance and the early years of nation-building. These visits not only demonstrated Palestine's special affection for Vietnam but also laid the first bricks, creating a solid foundation for the enduring traditional friendship between the two peoples.
For us, Vietnam has always been a shining example of patriotism, resilience, and indomitable spirit. The achievements of the Vietnamese people in national liberation and nation-building have become a powerful motivator, deeply inspiring the Palestinian people in their just, persistent, and long-term struggle for independence, freedom, and peace.
In recent times, the two countries have consistently supported each other at regional and international forums. Vietnam has clearly demonstrated its stance in supporting the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, calling for an end to occupation and adherence to international law. For its part, Palestine values Vietnam's role and prestige and regards the relationship between the two countries as an invaluable asset that must be preserved and promoted.
I am confident that, based on a good historical foundation, mutual respect, and the valuable legacy built by Chairman Yasser Arafat and generations of leaders from both countries, the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Palestine and Vietnam will continue to develop strongly, deeply, and effectively in the future.
Looking ahead to the next 5-10 years, how do you envision the Vietnam-Palestine relationship developing? Which pillars of cooperation will be strategically long-term, sir?
I believe that in the next 5-10 years, the Vietnam-Palestine relationship will continue to develop based on solidarity and traditional friendship, while transitioning to a phase of more substantive and sustainable cooperation.
The two countries will maintain close coordination at the United Nations and multilateral forums, thereby reaffirming Vietnam's consistent support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. In terms of bilateral cooperation, long-term priorities will focus on human resource development, especially in education, vocational training, agriculture, healthcare, and science and technology to support Palestine in enhancing self-reliance and preparing for future reconstruction.
Moreover, humanitarian cooperation will be promoted with programs supporting healthcare, livelihoods, and social welfare, combined with appropriately scaled projects to help people overcome immediate difficulties.
In the economic field, both sides will seek ways to expand cooperation, especially in trade, high-tech agriculture, and small but effective cooperative models. Cultural exchanges, people-to-people diplomacy, and connections between social organizations will be strengthened to create a foundation of affection and understanding between the two peoples.
With deep political trust and goodwill for cooperation from both sides, I believe that the Vietnam-Palestine relationship in the next decade will enter a phase of stable, profound development that brings practical benefits to both countries.
Thank you very much!
