Hanoi, (VNA)💞 – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosteda reception for Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Tradeand Worship Diana Elena Mondino in Hanoi on March 20.

PM Chinh affirmed to his guest that Vietnam always attachesimportance to the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership withArgentina. He expressed satisfaction at the outcomes of the talksbetween the Argentinean minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on March19, saying that the minister’s visit will help bolster bilateral relations inthe time ahead, with a focus on areas meeting both sides’ potential and needssuch as industry and agriculture. The PM suggested that the two countries continue to exchangedelegations, particularly those at high levels, and accelerate talks towardsthe signing of cooperative documents facilitating business and investmentactivities, thus further raising bilateral trade value, which has been stayingstable and reached 3.45 billion USD in 2023. He asked Argentina to support and push negotiations on a freetrade agreement between Vietnam and MERCUSUR, thus contributing to economicdevelopment of each country. The government leader also requested that ministries and agenciesof both countries to coordinate to promote cooperation in other fields such asculture, sports, tourism, education-training, and security-defence, whileexploring collaboration in new realms like climate change adaptation, greengrowth, digital transformation, circular economy and clean agriculture. In addition, the two countries should enhance mutual supportand consultation at multilateral forums and international organisations, PMChinh said. Minister Mondino affirmed that the Argentinean governmentattaches importance to Vietnam’s increasing role and position in the region andthe world. She proposed that the two countries promote cooperation in finance,taxation and aviation, which are priorities of Argentina. The minister also asked PM Chinh to push collaboration withArgentina in agriculture and trade, towards the early establishment of abilateral strategic partnership in industry and agriculture. Mondino briefed the PM on the outcomes of her talks with FMSon and meetings with Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and adeputy minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, saying that they havereached agreement on specific measures and a programme on cooperation inagriculture and trade in the time ahead. The minister conveyed an invitation from President JavierMilei to PM Chinh to visit Argentina. The PM accepted the invitation and askedthe foreign ministries of the two countries to arrange the visit at a suitabletime./.