National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue delivered a policy speech on '50 years of Argentina-Vietnam diplomatic relations: Present and future.'
On the morning of April 25, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Religious Affairs of Argentina in the capital Buenos Aires, an event took place to celebrate "50 years of Vietnam-Argentina diplomatic relations: Present and future."
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue delivered an important speech at this event.
We respectfully introduce the full text of the speech:
“Dear Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Argentine House of Representatives Eduardo Valdes and Ambassador Eduardo Lionel Demayo,
Dear Argentine and Vietnamese friends!
First of all, I would like to sincerely thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Religion for organizing and chairing today's discussion.
If our world is like a book, today I have the honor of reading the most interesting pages of that book: Argentina. As soon as we set foot on this beautiful land, the firm handshakes, the warm smiles, the bright eyes of the enthusiastic and hospitable Argentine friends made us feel grateful and confident as if we were returning to our beloved common home.
Argentina is famous for its beautiful and peaceful land, from the vast Pampa plains with their lush green lawns, to the majestic Andes, the long valleys and the majestic primeval forests. Your country has many natural and cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO such as: National parks in Los Glaciares, Iguazu, Talampaya, Los Alerces; Inca road network; Ischigualasto provincial park... Argentine people love reading, the capital Buenos Aires was awarded the noble title of World Book Capital by UNESCO in 2011.
Argentina is the homeland of the captivating Tango - a global cultural icon. It is also a world football powerhouse, with 3 world championships in 1978, 1986 and most recently in 2022 with the best World Cup final in history between Argentina and France. The love for football and tango is not only overflowing on the streets, stadiums, dance floors, but also vividly displayed in museums dedicated to football and tango. We admire Gaucho - the nomadic knights - symbols of the desire for freedom, courage, generosity, honor, strong character of the people and the colorful culture of Argentina.
In particular, we are extremely impressed and would like to congratulate you, Argentina, on the great and proud achievements you have made in restoring, promoting democracy and developing the country over the past 40 years. Argentina is increasingly asserting and promoting its position and role in the region and the world with a dynamic and modern economy, ranked 3rd in Latin America in terms of scale and belonging to the G20 group of the world.
Ladies and gentlemen,
During this visit, I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Religious Affairs - a gathering place for the country's great diplomats, talented economists and erudite intellectuals. At this honored forum, I would like to share some thoughts on three main issues: first, the world situation; second, the situation and foreign policy of Vietnam; third, the Vietnam-Argentina relationship.
Firstly, today's world, in addition to its advantages and great potential, is facing countless challenges, from climate change and global economic recession; energy and food crises; economic inequality and political and social instability; to strategic competition and separation between major countries and superpowers; conflicts and wars...
More than ever, we hope that countries need to unite, cooperate and be united, and join hands to respond to global challenges, for a better world. We hope and call on parties in hot spots to quickly end wars and conflicts, sit at the negotiating table, respect each other's legitimate interests, and find peaceful solutions to disputes and disagreements; on the basis of respecting each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, political institutions, the United Nations Charter and international law. At the same time, we need to have stronger commitments and practical actions to promote multilateralism and order based on international law.
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue speaks.
It can be affirmed that peace, cooperation and progress are the common burning aspirations of all nations. Without peace, there can be no development and progress! We need to make great efforts and uphold our responsibility to the international community to build peace and cooperation, considering it the main trend and the main stream of our time!
We also need to seize the great opportunities brought about by the trends of digital transformation, green economy, innovation, etc. Accordingly, we must accelerate new economic cooperation and linkage initiatives at the regional and global levels. At the same time, we must continue to make efforts to promote the building of a new global form that is fairer and more sustainable for all countries and economies. The challenges are enormous, but they are also the driving force for all countries and regions to innovate strongly and develop.
In the era of the 4.0 industrial revolution, it seems that all countries, whether developed or developing, large or small, are returning to the same starting point. Because in the context of digital transformation, the strong development of artificial intelligence and the 4.0 industrial revolution, the future is no longer simply an extension of the past. All countries, especially the latecomers, still have great opportunities. In this process, Vietnam and Argentina in particular, Southeast Asian and Latin American countries in general, have very important roles and contributions!
Second, on Vietnam's foreign policy and situation: After nearly 37 years of implementing the comprehensive and synchronous Doi Moi initiated by the Communist Party of Vietnam, from one of the poorest countries in the world with about 95% of the population in poverty and severely devastated by war, Vietnam has achieved great and historic achievements, becoming a developing country, promoting industrialization, modernization and strong and deep international integration. The economy has continuously grown strongly and still achieved a positive growth rate of nearly 3% in 2020, a year when most countries suffered negative growth due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. GDP growth in 2022 is at 8.02% and inflation is controlled at about 3%. Vietnam's GDP scale at current prices in 2022 is 409 billion USD, ranking in the top 38 in the world, 10 times higher than in 2000.
The total value of import and export turnover has increased continuously by an average of 10% per year, reaching 732.5 billion USD in 2022 (export 371.85 billion USD, import 360.65 billion USD), ranking in the top 20 countries with the largest foreign trade turnover in the world, with a trade surplus for many consecutive years. In terms of rice and agricultural product exports alone, from a country with a lack of food, Vietnam has now exported 55 billion USD of agricultural, forestry and fishery products to countries around the world.
Vietnam is also a very successful country in attracting FDI, with more than 36,600 foreign investment projects in effect as of February 2023 with a total registered capital of more than 442 billion USD. Vietnam has become Argentina's 6th largest trading partner and Argentina's 5th largest export market in the world. Argentina has become Vietnam's 3rd largest trading partner in Latin America with a turnover of about 4.8 billion USD in 2022, and the two countries are striving to reach the 10 billion USD mark by 2025.
Vietnam has also achieved miracles in building new rural areas and reducing poverty, and is a bright spot in implementing the Millennium Development Goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda SGDs by 2030. According to the World Bank, within a decade, Vietnam's poverty rate has decreased from 14.2% in 2010 to 4.8% in 2020, with 10 million people having escaped poverty, and is considered by the international community as a model country in effective poverty reduction. The Party and State of Vietnam attach great importance to ensuring social justice and security, economic development coupled with environmental protection and preservation of cultural identity, building national solidarity, and leaving no one behind.
Vietnam consistently implements a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralization; proactively and actively integrates comprehensively, deeply and effectively into the international community. Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community.
We have synchronously deployed all three pillars: party diplomacy, state diplomacy - parliamentary diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy. Up to now, Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 191 out of 193 United Nations member states, including 30 strategic partners and comprehensive partners; signed and participated in 17 free trade agreements (FTAs), including new-generation FTAs; established economic and trade relations with more than 220 countries, territories and partner economies. The Vietnamese National Assembly has established relations with more than 140 parliaments around the world.
In the context of increasingly fierce and complicated strategic competition among major countries, Vietnam is determined not to choose sides but to choose the right, based on international law. Vietnam proactively participates and promotes its role in regional and international multilateral mechanisms, especially ASEAN, the United Nations, UNESCO, APEC, ASEM, FEALAC..., actively and responsibly contributes with partners, contributing to building a peaceful and stable international order, ensuring the legitimate interests of all peoples, on the basis of respect for international law and the United Nations Charter.
These great and historic achievements are the result of the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam - the Party founded by the great President Ho Chi Minh - and the outstanding efforts of the entire Vietnamese people and the great support and assistance of international friends, including Latin American countries and Argentina. From this Forum, I would like to once again express my sincere thanks to the international community for their solidarity, cooperation and assistance to Vietnam, both in the past cause of national liberation as well as in the current cause of national construction and defense. On this occasion, I would like to thank our Argentine friends, even during the difficult time of the Covid-19 pandemic, who, despite the lack of vaccines, supported Vietnam with 500,000 doses of vaccine, making an important contribution to Vietnam overcoming the pandemic and quickly recovering its economy and society.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In 2021, the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam elected the highest leadership body, headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and set out two 100-year strategic goals, crystallizing the great aspirations of the Vietnamese people. The first goal is that by 2030, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party, Vietnam will become a developing country with modern industry and an upper-middle income. The second goal is that by 2045, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vietnam will become a developed, high-income country.
In the cause of national Renovation and international integration, the National Assembly of Vietnam plays a leading role in institutionalizing political policies and guidelines, deciding on important national issues, legislating and supervising the implementation of policies and laws; in which, the foreign affairs sector holds a very important position. We always give special priority to developing bilateral and multilateral parliamentary friendship and diplomatic cooperation in all forms, at all scales and levels, contributing to creating a sustainable political and social foundation for the country's foreign relations and international integration.
Third, regarding the vision for the relationship between Vietnam and the Latin American region in the next 10 years: We continue to affirm that Vietnam highly values and wishes to promote mutually beneficial cooperation with the Latin American region. Currently, we have diplomatic relations with all 33 countries in the region, including traditional friends, long-standing ties, both in terms of history and sentiment, and sharing many similarities in terms of tradition, culture and common interests. On his journey to find a way to save the country in the early 20th century, Vietnam's beloved President Ho Chi Minh stopped in Argentina and Uruguay.
Vietnamese delegates attended the speech.
In any period, whether in the period of struggle for independence and national unification or now, we are always honored to receive the close solidarity, the great and comprehensive assistance of the people of the world, including the people of Argentina and the faithful and steadfast Latin American friends who have given Vietnam sacred friendship and emotional devotion. This is a valuable asset, an important premise for us to narrow and erase the gap between people with the spirit, strength and actions of promoting independence and autonomy, loving peace and freedom, cherishing justice and righteousness for ourselves and for the progress of all mankind.
In the current complex world situation, in terms of economic development cooperation, we need each other more, complementing and supporting each other according to the South-South cooperation mechanism to ensure food security, energy security, respond to climate change, connect supply chains, processing, manufacturing, agriculture, industry, connect sea routes, aviation, logistics... of both sides and all parties. Vietnam hopes to proactively seize opportunities with Latin American countries to multiply strength, share responsibility, and together proactively and effectively resolve traditional and non-traditional security issues whether on land, at sea or in the air, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region and around the world.
With the forecast and vision for the next 10 years, I think that Southeast Asia and Latin America have great potential and can completely become a reality to become the new growth poles of the world. In the current international context, the two regions of Southeast Asia and Latin America need to strengthen their connection to realize the above potential.
Vietnam advocates consolidating and expanding the network of bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements, ready to welcome quality foreign investment flows. On the other hand, Vietnam increases exports and investment abroad, in which Latin America is a new focus. Vietnam is ready to discuss with Mercosur member countries about the early establishment of a free trade agreement, creating new opportunities to enhance trade, investment, promote economic growth and expand cooperation between Vietnam and South American countries. Along with that process, Vietnam will continue to promote its role in ASEAN, striving to be the locomotive, gateway and bridge for cooperation between ASEAN and Mercosur, especially in areas where both sides have strengths and the ability to complement each other.
In the Latin American region today, our brotherly country Cuba is still under pressure from the siege and economic embargo, which is contrary to the equality of international law, contrary to the common perception of the international community and contrary to the conscience of progressive humanity. These measures do not benefit anyone of good character and need to be ended as soon as possible. Once again, Vietnam calls on all of us to join hands to lift the embargo against Cuba; with a goodwill and constructive attitude, relevant parties should resume dialogue, enhance understanding, reduce differences and find areas to initiate mutually beneficial cooperation.
That is a new vision for new opportunities, to jointly develop new forces, new combined strength and to promote our new responsibilities in dealing with regional issues and current global responsibilities.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to dedicate the last part of my speech as a wonderful crystallization and shining light on the relationship between Vietnam and Argentina.
Vietnam highly values and wishes to further strengthen the Comprehensive Partnership with Argentina. 2023 is a milestone in the relationship between our two countries, celebrating 50 years of building and nurturing friendly relations. Vietnam's history records: Argentina is one of the three leading South American countries to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam since 1973, under the administration of the late President Juan Peron and now the Justicialist Party under the leadership of President Alberto Fernandez. Argentina is one of Vietnam's four comprehensive partners in Latin America (since 2010).
Although we are half a world apart and on two continents, our two peoples share and develop common values of civilization and progress: the aspiration for independence, democracy and development for the country, freedom, happiness and progress for the people. If our President Ho Chi Minh firmly stated, “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom. We would rather sacrifice everything than lose our country and become slaves,” then General José de San Martin, the national hero of Argentina and the South American region, also affirmed: “Let us all be for freedom. We would rather die than become slaves.” That is a historical meeting of thoughts and actions that carries the beautiful truth as if it were a pre-arranged appointment between our two countries.
If you visit our country, you can easily find an Argentina in the heart of Vietnam. It is the image of the Argentine flag with light blue and white, flying at the headquarters of the Argentine Embassy. It is the Argentine brothers and sisters who are living, working, studying and doing business in Vietnam. It is the vibrant, attractive and captivating tango music that resonates in large parks, or around Hoan Kiem Lake in the center of Hanoi, at clubs or dance classes for the people. It is the famous restaurants serving beef, wine, donuts with jam or Argentine tea. You can see the image of Diego Maradona or Lionel Messi in a crowded beer hall by the roadside, a bar hidden on a street corner, on the T-shirts of Vietnamese "young" players. Every time the Argentine team plays, fans always cheer and consider the victory of the Argentine players as the victory of the Vietnamese team.
Those sacred, similar and emotional values are invaluable assets, organic natural glue and strong impetus for us to bring the relationship between the two countries to a new stage of development, with a vision for the next 50 years on the following three basic aspects:
Firstly, in terms of politics and diplomacy: Continue to strengthen the relationship between the leaders of the two countries, through high-level visits and contacts at regional and international forums; strongly promote the role of the two countries' Parliaments and political parties. We appreciate the establishment of a friendship parliamentary group between the Argentine House of Representatives and the Vietnamese National Assembly; the two sides should strengthen cooperation to improve capacity. At the same time, we need to promote the role of dialogue mechanisms, including political consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the role of representative agencies in each country; increase support and coordination at multilateral forums.
Notably, this year, Vietnam will host the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians on the occasion of the 146th IPU Assembly (scheduled for mid-September 2023). We look forward to welcoming young Argentine parliamentarians to Vietnam, so that young people can think together, commit to act together for the development of the IPU; strengthen solidarity, improve capacity and expand the approach of young people to issues of common concern.
Second, in terms of economy and trade: Maximize the role of the Intergovernmental Committee, perfect the legal framework, especially agreements on double taxation avoidance, animal and plant quarantine, aviation services, etc., open the most favorable markets for each other's goods; promote technical cooperation in agriculture, agricultural product processing; cooperate in lithium exploitation, green hydrogen production technology; connect the business communities of the two countries and encourage mutual investment; consider and actively promote the opening of direct flights; especially promote cooperation, connection between localities and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
We need to take advantage of free trade frameworks and agreements, especially Mercosur, CPTPP..., and at the same time aim for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and Mercosur. Seize the opportunity for green, clean, sustainable, innovative and creative development that Vietnam and Argentina have strengths that can complement each other.
Third, on culture, education, and tourism: Strengthen cooperation in education and training between universities and research centers; propose that Argentina grant scholarships to Vietnamese students to study Spanish; promote delegation exchanges and cooperation in sports, especially cooperation between the two countries' football federations and some specific cooperation such as opening youth football training centers and friendly matches; increase the opening and dissemination of Spanish-language pages on major media institutions in Vietnam. Promote cooperation in tourism promotion, exchange of experiences in tourism management and development.
Ladies and gentlemen!
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the best way to predict the future is to create it! If we want to imagine what the Vietnam-Argentina relationship will be like 50 years from now, we must work together to promote and create the future of this relationship. When we unite, our will alone will definitely level all obstacles to reach the future. We have every reason to believe that our two countries and regions will cooperate more comprehensively, strongly and substantially, more closely and effectively, like the spirit of solidarity and teamwork of football and the spirit of harmonious coordination of the legendary Tango dance; on the invaluable historical foundation, together we will continue to write new and increasingly beautiful pages of history of the two countries of Vietnam and Argentina in the book about the world in the next 10 years and 50 years.
On behalf of the high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese National Assembly, we sincerely thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Religion and personally the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Argentine House of Representatives Eduardo Valdes and Ambassador Eduardo Lionel Demayo... for their important contributions to strengthening the relationship between the two countries, as well as for coordinating the organization and arranging a very meaningful and effective working program for our delegation.
Thank you very much for listening and I wish you and your family good health, happiness and success!”./.
According to VNA
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