Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló who is on an official visit to Vietnam from September 5-8, during which the two leaders agreed to work together to develop the bilateral relations in the spirit of sincere, equal, and mutually beneficial partnership.

PM expressed his belief that the first visit to Vietnam by the President of Guinea-Bissau will create a breakthrough and open up a new phase for the bilateral relationship in the coming time.

Congratulating Guinea-Bissau on its socio-economic achievements in recent times, he hoped that the West African country will soon realise the goals set in its 2025 strategy.

For his part, Embaló expressed his admiration for the host country's outstanding development achievements, and appreciated the role and sound leadership of the Party, State and Government of Vietnam.

The Vietnamese revolution and President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap had inspired the path of national liberation of the Guinea-Bissau people, he said, calling Vietnam a model in maintaining stability, innovation, and economic development.

Briefing the guest on Vietnam's major development orientations, and its priorities in external relations, Chinh said Vietnam treasures its traditional friendship and cooperation with African countries, continually expanding and developing the relations. He pointed out that a significant milestone in this effort is Vietnam’s official designation as an Observer of the African Union in December 2023.

According to him, cooperation between Vietnam and Guinea-Bissau is also progressing positively based on a reliable political foundation formed by historical solidarity and mutual support in the struggle for national independence; an economic foundation built on similarities and complementary development conditions; and a foundation based on shared values, including support for and enhancement of multilateral and South-South cooperation.

Regarding future cooperation orientations, the two leaders agreed to develop relations in the spirit of "sincere, equal, and mutually beneficial partnership".

They identified three priorities for political-diplomatic cooperation, including strengthening delegation exchanges at all levels, supporting each other at multilateral forums, and promoting regional cooperation. Guinea-Bissau will support Vietnam in advancing ties with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), while the Southeast Asian country will bridge Guinea-Bissau's cooperation with ASEAN and its members.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed Guinea-Bissau's decision to unilaterally waive visas for Vietnamese diplomatic and official passport holders, facilitating further exchanges and cooperation between the two nations.

The President of Guinea-Bissau praised Vietnam's successful macroeconomic management and international integration and supporting PM Chinh's proposals for prioritising economic cooperation. Both sides agreed to diversify export products, focusing on cashew as a key item and expanding to other goods of strength such as rice, textiles, household goods, electrical equipment, and seafood.

They will also promote business delegation exchanges, market information sharing, and agricultural cooperation, thus helping Guinea-Bissau ensure food security and increase exports.

Additionally, the two countries will enhance collaboration in health care and education; complete and implement cooperation mechanisms and negotiate for the signing of agreements to create a favourable legal framework for bilateral cooperation.

♚ The President of Guinea-Bissau expressed his desire to welcome Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in his country and the Vietnamese leader said he will arrange a visit at an appropriate time./.