Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, Speaker of the Senate and Vice President of Uruguay Beatriz Argimon, and Speaker of the Chamber of Representatives of Uruguay Sebastian Andujar signed a cooperation agreement between the two parliaments on Thursday (local time).
This is the first time the Vietnamese NA and the two legislative bodies of Uruguay signed a cooperation agreement, proving that the Uruguayan parliament attaches importance to the cooperation with Vietnam.
NA Chairman Hue is now in Uruguay for an official visit following his visits to Cuba and Argentina.
Both leaders of the Senate and the Chamber of Representatives of Uruguay affirmed that they attach importance to Vietnamese NA Chairman Hue’s visit and believe the visit will contribute to strengthening the cooperation between the two countries.
They hailed Vietnam as a dynamic developing country with an important role and position in the Asia-Pacific region and in the world, saying that the cooperation with Vietnam is a great opportunity for Uruguay's regional and global integration.
They affirmed that Uruguay's opening of an embassy in Hanoi demonstrates its determination and efforts to enhance the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Vietnamese NA Chairman Hue congratulated Uruguay on its early control of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic development, and social stability, adding that Uruguay is one of the best-governed countries in Latin America.
The top Vietnamese legislator also spoke highly of Uruguay's position and role in the South American region and international organizations while sharing his hope for the potential and opportunities for the two countries’ bilateral cooperation.
He stressed that Vietnam is willing to act as a bridge for Uruguay’s investment and trade activities in Southeast Asia.
He suggested Uruguay and other members of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), including Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, should complete procedures for internal consultation and the launch of the Vietnam-MERCOSUR free trade agreement soon to boost the collaboration between ASEAN and MERCOSUR as well as between Southeast Asia and South America.
Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (R) shakes hands with Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou. Photo: Doan Tan / Tuoi Tre |
The two sides agreed to continue enhancing contacts and exchanges of parliament delegations to exchange experience in building laws to serve their countries’ development.
Vietnamese NA Chairman Hue on Thursday evening also met with Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou.
He said that Vietnam always places emphasis on the relations and cooperation with Uruguay.
President Pou asserted that Uruguay is willing to become a gateway for Vietnam and other ASEAN countries to access the South American region and the MERCOSUR for business and investment.
He expressed his expectation that Vietnam will back Uruguay to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and support Uruguay and the other three MERCOSUR members to co-host the FIFA World Cup finals in 2030.
The Uruguayan president also hoped Vietnam would soon open its embassy in his country.
NA chairman Hue is the highest-level official of Vietnam to pay an official visit to Uruguay since the two countries established their diplomatic ties 30 years ago.
His visit is scheduled to end on Friday.
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