Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship told his Vietnamese counterpart that his country desires to boost cooperation with Vietnam and strengthen ties with Southeast Asia through Vietnam.   Costa Rican Minister Jose Enrique Castillo Barrantes made the statement at talks with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in Hanoi on October 28 as part of his official visit to Vietnam that started on October 26. The Costa Rican official said trade, agriculture, tourism, culture and education will be priority cooperation fields between the two countries. He also affirmed his country’s policy of developing cooperation with Asia-Pacific, including Vietnam. For his part, FM Minh asked the two ministries to step up the signing of cooperative agreements in order to create a necessary legal framework for economic, trade and investment ties.  He also suggested the two counties strengthen delegation exchanges at all levels and regularly hold political consultations.

After discussing measures to strengthen bilateral multifaceted cooperation, the two ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

They agreed to continue promoting the two countries’ current coordination at international organizations and multilateral forums, for the interest of the two peoples, and for peace, stability and development in the two regions and the world.

Later the same day, the Costa Rican guest also had a meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, during which the two sides discussed measures to boost bilateral ties.