Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy PrimeMinister Vuong Dinh Hue and his Belarusian counterpart IgorLyashenko on September 25 reached consensus on concrete measures to advanceeconomic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Belarus, makingit match potential of each side.

During their talks in Hanoi, they agreed that the two countrieswill join hands to effectively implement the free trade agreement betweenVietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union, and the Vietnam-Belarus protocol onsupporting the production of motor vehicles in Vietnam.

The move aims to create breakthroughs in the bilateral economic and trade ties,thus raising the two-way trade to 500 million USD in the years to come.

At the same time, the two sides will expand collaboration in agriculture, theyconsented.

They rejoiced at the inauguration of the first Vietnam-Belarus joint autoventure, slated for September 26 in Vietnam’s northern province of Hung Yen.

The two sides concurred to continue their close coordination in realising theVietnam-Belarus programme on cooperation in science, education and culture, aswell as the bilateral defence and security ties, while facilitating collaborationbetween localities.

The Deputy PMs lauded efforts made by the two sides to facilitate the exit andentry of their citizens, and promote tourism cooperation.

Hue said Vietnam always attaches importance to consolidating and developing thetraditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Belarus.

The official noted his hope that Belarus leaders and authorities at all levelswill create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese to live and work in thehost society.

Lyashenko,for his part, said Belarus considers Vietnam one of its top diplomatic prioritiesin Southeast Asia and Asia at large.

Both affirmed their resolve to consolidate and develop the relationship andsoon elevate it to a new high.

They agreed to maintain all-level delegation exchanges in order to enhance thepolitical trust and step up cooperation via the channels of the States,National Assemblies, ministries, agencies and localities.

They will also intensify coordination at multilateral forums like the UnitedNations and the Non-Aligned Movement, contributing to protecting interests ofeach nation, for global peace, stability and prosperity.

Regarding international and regional issues of shared concern, Lyashenkoaffirmed his support for Vietnam’s stance on settling territorial disputes,including those in the East Sea, by peaceful measures, not using force orthreatening to use force, with the engagement of all concerned parties.  

Following the talks, the officials witnessed the signing of a programme oncultural cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports andTourism and the Belarusian Ministry of Culture for the 2020-2022 period./.