Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel
WVR - On February 27, at the Government Office, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel. Also in attendance were Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and leaders from the Government Office and the Ministries of Finance, Industry and Trade, and Science and Technology.
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel. (Source: VNA) |
During the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed Minister Paulo Rangel's visit to Vietnam, emphasizing its significance in concretizing the commitments of the two countries' senior leaders. He noted that the visit opens up new directions for more practical and effective cooperation in the future.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the historical ties between the two nations, which date back over 500 years. He stated that Portugal's decision to open an embassy in Vietnam marks a historic milestone, affirming the determination to strengthen bilateral relations and laying a favorable foundation for cooperation across all fields.
The Prime Minister congratulated Portugal on its recent socio-economic achievements, affirming Vietnam's commitment to deepening its multifaceted friendship and cooperation with Portugal, an active member of the European Union (EU).
Based on the strong relationship and significant potential for cooperation, the Prime Minister suggested that both sides continue to build political trust, enhance exchanges at all levels, especially high-level visits, and elevate bilateral relations to a more practical and effective level, suitable for the new context.
Highlighting the complementary nature of the two economies, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed maximizing each side's advantages to promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations. He suggested that both sides soon study and establish cooperation mechanisms to facilitate long-term and stable cooperation opportunities.
Regarding priority areas, the Prime Minister proposed strengthening renewable energy cooperation based on “risk-sharing and harmonizing interests”, ensuring efficiency and sustainability. He encouraged Portuguese businesses to participate in offshore wind, solar power, and energy infrastructure projects in Vietnam.
Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the vast potential for maritime economic development and suggested that both sides enhance cooperation in maritime, port, shipbuilding, and logistics sectors, aligning with each country's maritime development strategy.
The Prime Minister also proposed that both sides continue to closely coordinate to effectively utilize the free trade agreements between Vietnam and the EU. He urged support for the remaining EU member states to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to enhance exchanges and share experiences in digital transformation, innovation, healthcare, sports, and education and training, particularly in teaching Portuguese.
Based on tourism potential, the Prime Minister suggested facilitating travel between the two countries by waiving visas for citizens of both nations.
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel at the meeting. (Source: VNA) |
Minister Paulo Rangel expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the meeting and conveyed his positive impression and congratulations on the results of the 14th National Party Congress, especially the historic achievements Vietnam has made recently and the development goals set for the future.
He appreciated Vietnam's upgrade of relations with the EU to a comprehensive strategic partnership, thereby enhancing cooperation with EU member states, including Portugal. The Minister affirmed that Portugal considers Vietnam one of its important partners in Southeast Asia and wishes to deepen multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam.
The Minister fully agreed with the Prime Minister's major orientations, stating that Portugal is ready to coordinate in promoting high-level exchanges and enhancing business connections to soon achieve the target of 1 billion USD in trade exchange, as agreed by the senior leaders of the two countries, and to soon implement cooperation mechanisms between the two nations.
The Minister acknowledged the potential for cooperation in renewable energy and maritime economy, affirming that Portuguese businesses have the experience and technology and are eager to participate in projects in Vietnam.
Both sides agreed to continue close coordination at multilateral forums, supporting multilateralism and respecting international law. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the motto that unity brings strength, cooperation brings benefits, and dialogue fosters trust.
Regarding the East Sea issue, both sides affirmed the need for parties to comply with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, to maintain peace, stability, and enhance trust among nations.
