Vietnam-Israel promote cooperation in innovation and high-tech fields

Minister Nir Barkat affirmed that the Israeli Government always considers Vietnam an important partner in the region and wishes to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in all fields.

Thủ tướng Phạm Minh Chính tiếp Bộ trưởng Kinh tế và Công nghiệp Israel Nir Barkat. (Nguồn: TTXVN)

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat. (Source: VNA)

On the afternoon of August 16, at the Government headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Mr. Nir Barkat, Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry, Chairman of the Israel Subcommittee of the Vietnam-Israel Intergovernmental Committee, who is visiting and working in Vietnam.

Welcoming Minister Nir Barkat and Israeli businesses to visit Vietnam on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1993 - 2023), the Prime Minister said that the visit and the organization of the 3rd Session of the Vietnam-Israel Intergovernmental Committee are practical steps to implement the results of the official visit to Israel by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang (July 2023) and the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement that was just signed.

The Prime Minister affirmed that as a country that has experienced many years of war and embargo with very serious and prolonged consequences, Vietnam loves peace, consistently implements an independent, self-reliant, multilateral and diversified foreign policy, is a good friend and reliable partner with countries around the world and is an active and responsible member of the international community, for the goal of preserving a peaceful, stable, cooperative and developing environment in the region and around the world.

Vietnam implements a “4 no’s” defense policy: No participation in military alliances; no ally with one country to fight another; no allowing foreign countries to set up military bases or use its territory to fight against another country; no use of force or threat of force in international relations. In its overall foreign policy, Vietnam always attaches importance to the Vietnam-Israel relationship.

The Prime Minister highly appreciated the Minister’s initiatives and ideas for the development of the Israeli economy, which Vietnam can refer to and learn from. The Prime Minister also announced that Vietnam will issue e-visas to citizens of other countries from August 15, including Israel; and welcomed the two sides’ preparations to open direct flights.

To promote cooperation and develop the bilateral relationship more positively, in depth, practically and effectively, the Prime Minister suggested that the two sides increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones; promote the organization and effective implementation of cooperation mechanisms between the two sides such as the Intergovernmental Committee.

The two sides should soon and effectively implement the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement and study and negotiate and sign an agreement on industrial cooperation between the two countries; facilitate the exchange of business delegations, coordinate the organization of trade promotion activities, and connect trade; Israel should increase the import of Vietnam's key products such as agricultural and aquatic products, fresh vegetables, processed foods, and household products, etc.

The head of the Vietnamese Government suggested that the two sides promote cooperation in innovation, high-tech fields, and climate change response, including drought response in the central provinces; training high-quality human resources; and affirmed that Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge to promote cooperation between Israel and ASEAN.

On this occasion, the Prime Minister sent his regards and invitation to officially visit Vietnam to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Agreeing with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's opinion, Minister Nir Barkat affirmed that the Israeli Government always considers Vietnam an important partner in the region and wishes to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in all fields.

Sharing with the Prime Minister about Israel's development orientation, policies and experiences, the Minister said that the two countries have many similarities. Vietnam not only has a dynamic economy, with a market of 100 million people, but is also the gateway to the ASEAN market with nearly 700 million people.

Minister Nir Barkat said that Israel is working with Vietnam to soon complete relevant procedures so that the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement can soon come into effect; promote connections between businesses of the two countries; promote cooperation in the fields of high technology, medicine, anti-desertification, marine cooperation, aquaculture and especially cooperation to promote innovation.

Expressing his admiration for the beauty of the country and the friendliness and hospitality of the Vietnamese people, the Minister said that tourism is also a potential area of cooperation between the two countries; he said that in his capacity as Minister of Economy and Industry, Chairman of the Israel Subcommittee of the Vietnam-Israel Intergovernmental Committee, he will always support and coordinate with ministries and sectors to promote multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Israel, especially in the areas that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has expressed his opinions on.

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