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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Solomon Islands' Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka. (Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper) |
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed greetings from General Secretary To Lam and Vietnamese leaders to Solomon's senior leaders; welcomed Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka on his first official visit to Vietnam, marking the highest-level visit between the two countries since diplomatic relations were established in 1996; and expressed confidence that the Minister's visit will be a positive start for a new, dynamic, and substantive phase in bilateral relations.
Recalling the positive outcomes of his meeting with Solomon's Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele on June 9 on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) in Nice, France, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that both sides enhance high-level and other exchanges, establish consultation mechanisms between relevant ministries and sectors, and promote people-to-people exchanges to foster mutual understanding.
In this spirit, the Prime Minister welcomed the planned visit of Solomon's Prime Minister to Vietnam in the near future.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised the need for both countries to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, healthcare, and transportation infrastructure, encouraging businesses from both nations to expand investments in areas of mutual interest and strength such as agriculture, maritime cooperation and fisheries, and renewable energy.
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| Representatives of Vietnam's government ministries and agencies attend the meeting. (Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper) |
The Prime Minister stated that he would direct relevant Vietnamese agencies to soon send delegations to explore cooperation opportunities in Solomon, particularly in investing in local fishing and processing facilities and exporting seafood from Solomon.
The Prime Minister also proposed that both sides sign agreements to facilitate travel for citizens of both countries, initially focusing on a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders; and promote more convenient flight routes between Vietnam and the South Pacific island nations.
Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka conveyed greetings from Solomon's Prime Minister to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; expressed deep impressions and gratitude for the warm and thoughtful reception from Vietnam for him and his delegation since their arrival.
The Minister stated that Solomon values Vietnam's role and position in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting Vietnam as a resilient nation that has overcome many challenges to become one of the fastest-growing countries today.
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| Members accompanying Solomon Islands' Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka, attend the meeting. (Source: Nhan Dan Newspaper) |
Minister Agovaka noted that Vietnam and Solomon share many commonalities, allowing them to share, learn from each other, support, and assist each other in their development processes.
Minister Agovaka appreciated the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Cooperation Framework between the governments of Vietnam and Solomon during this visit, considering it a crucial foundation for developing cooperation in potential areas.
Minister Agovaka requested Vietnam's support in training and developing human resources and technical skills in fisheries and agriculture for Solomon; expressed a desire to import rice and raw materials from Vietnam; and affirmed that Solomon would facilitate Vietnamese businesses investing in potential projects there.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Solomon's Foreign Minister agreed to enhance coordination and support each other at regional and international forums, especially at the United Nations, while contributing to effective and substantive cooperation between ASEAN and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) for the sustainable development of the region.
