At the second Vietnam-Israel Defence Diplomacy Dialogue. (Photo: VNA)
Tel Aviv (VNA) – Former Ambassador ofIsrael to Vietnam Amikam Levy says that the Southeast Asian nation alwayshas a special place in his heart.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’scorrespondents in Tel Aviv on the occasion of the 30th anniversaryof the bilateral diplomatic ties (July 12, 1993), Levy said apart from historicalsimilarities, both countries have strong leadership apparatuses and clearaspirations and commitments for national interests and for happiness of theirpeople.
The establishment of diplomatic ties hasfacilitated tourism cooperation and opened upbusiness opportunities for enterprises of the two countries, he stressed.
During his 2001-2003 tenure in Vietnam, Levy workedhard to push the opening of the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel, whichhe considered a priority and “a dream”, and his efforts paid off in 2009.
According to Levy, who has worked as a diplomat inseven countries and territories, both Vietnamese and Jewish people treasure valuesof family and friendship, and have a strong will to understand each other.
The former ambassador lauded the significantsocio-economic achievements that Vietnam has recorded under the leadership of theCommunist Party of Vietnam (CPV), especially those in infrastructuredevelopment.
With its experience in high-tech, agriculture, healthcare, science, and smart urban development, Israel is willing to share its experience with Vietnam inthese fields, and become a partner and learn from the Southeast Asian nation’sexperience in development, he noted.
Vietnam and Israel conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement on April 2, 2023. (Photo: VNA)
As President of the Israel-Vietnam FriendshipAssociation, Levy said he will work to promote people-to-peopleexchanges between the two countries, and encourage Israeli firms to operate inVietnam.
Ample room remains for cooperation between the twocountries, covering clean energy, the former ambassador said, expressing hishope to organise a business forum in the time ahead.
This would take time, but will surely be a success,he said, stressing that Israel considers Vietnam a great partner and puts muchconfidence in the country.
Notably, the two countries will sign a bilateralfree trade agreement in the coming time, which is expected to facilitatecollaboration in science and technology, he continued.
Levy also expressed his belief that the bilateralrelations will be further tightened in the next 5-10 years, and many Israelicompanies will relocate to Vietnam – a big market with huge opportunities./.
The “bamboo diplomacy” of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) is a good policy for the sake of the Vietnamese people, said Chairman of the Israel - Vietnam Friendship Association Amikam Levy.
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has told Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer that Vietnam attaches importance to its friendship and cooperation with Israel, one of its important partners in the Middle East.
Looking back on the 30-year journey of diplomatic relations, Vietnam and Israel, with mutual respect and trust, have achieved prideworthy cooperation achievements in the fields of politics, economy, trade and investment, making the two nations become each other's leading partner in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
At the second Vietnam-Israel Defence Diplomacy Dialogue. (Photo: VNA) 
Vietnam and Israel conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement on April 2, 2023. (Photo: VNA) 
