Vietnam, Estonia eye stronger bilateral ties

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Mikser discussed specific measures to step up bilateral ties between Vietnam and Estonia during their talks in Hanoi on September 14.

They agreed on the need to intensify all-level delegation exchanges, maintain political consultation and coordination between the two foreign ministries, and continue to complete the legal framework in order to enhance cooperation in all spheres, especially economy, trade, and investment.

The two sides also consented to creating favourable conditions for Vietnam’s major exports – such as agro-forestry products, garments-textiles and wood products – to access the Estonian market and other Baltic countries, and for Estonia’s key items – such as IT, wood, and foodstuff products – to penetrate Vietnam and the ASEAN.

Deputy PM and FM Minh lauded the signing of the agreement on double taxation avoidance by Vietnam and Estonia, and suggested the two countries soon negotiate to reach the signing of an agreement on economic cooperation, thus facilitating bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties.

The officials consented to strengthening and expanding partnerships in areas with potential, such as education-training, agriculture, culture-tourism, and national defence and security.

The two sides spoke highly of effective bilateral affiliation at international forums and organisations, and concurred to continue with their close coordination at multilateral institutions and within the United Nations, the ASEM, and other multilateral forums at which both Vietnam and Estonia are members.

FM Sven Mikser affirmed that Estonia supports Vietnam in boosting comprehensive cooperation with the EU, including the early signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

Host and guest noted with pleasure the active developments in bilateral relations since Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip’s visit to Vietnam in 2011.

They also talked about regional and international issues of shared concern, stressing the significance of peace, stability, security, and navigation safety and freedom.

Estonia backs the standpoint of ASEAN and Vietnam on handling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful measures on the basis of respect for international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Sven Mikser said.

The Estonian FM paid an official visit to Vietnam from September 13-14 at the invitation of Deputy PM and FM Minh.–VNA