Deputy Prime Minister Bùi Thanh Sơn met with Togolese Foreign Minister Robert Dussey to enhance bilateral relations as they approach the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Key discussion points included trade, investment, and agriculture, with agreements on political consultation and potential training programs. Both nations emphasized cooperation to leverage their respective strengths nationally and regionally.
On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn engaged in discussions with Prof. Robert Dussey, Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Togolese Abroad. This meeting coincided with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Togo, marking a significant milestone in their bilateral ties. Minister Sơn expressed Vietnam’s commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation with African countries, particularly Togo, emphasizing the importance of political trust to elevate collaboration in various sectors.
Minister Sơn outlined his aspiration for a more effective partnership, particularly in trade, investment, agriculture, seaports, and mining. He proposed an exchange of competitive goods lists to enhance bilateral trade, highlighting specific products such as rice, textiles, electric vehicles, and agricultural machinery. Furthermore, he requested that Togo share potential investment opportunities with Vietnamese businesses for market exploration.
Việt Nam, with nearly four decades of reform success, is prepared to share its development experiences with Togo, particularly in areas like reform policy-making, international integration, and education. Minister Sơn also suggested establishing training programs and student exchanges between the two nations’ diplomatic academies.
On multilateral cooperation, Minister Sơn called upon Togo to support Vietnam in various international forums, including candidacies for key positions in the United Nations and enhancing cooperation with the African Union and ECOWAS. He urged Togo’s support for ASEAN and Vietnam’s perspective on regional peace and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the East Sea, aligning with international law.
Prof. Robert Dussey acknowledged that the existing bilateral cooperation does not fully capitalize on the potentials of both countries, particularly in economic and trade sectors. He expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s assistance in improving rice cultivation in Togo and showed interest in expanding trilateral agricultural cooperation with aid from the World Bank, including sharing technological expertise.
The discussions concluded with an agreement to prioritize agriculture in their cooperation and adhere to future negotiations surrounding critical bilateral agreements like the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. A memorandum of understanding on political consultations was signed, underscoring a commitment to maintaining an active collaborative trajectory as both nations approach their 50th year of diplomatic relations.
Vietnam and Togo share a diplomatic relationship that has spanned nearly five decades, officially established on February 8, 1975. The recent meeting between the two foreign ministers not only commemorates this milestone but also aims to strengthen and deepen bilateral ties. Key areas of focus include trade, investment, and cooperation in agriculture, reflecting Vietnam’s broader foreign policy objective of enhancing relations with African nations. Togo, on the other hand, seeks to leverage its resources for mutual development and is open to technological and agricultural assistance from Vietnam, indicative of the potential for a robust partnership.
The recent dialogue between Vietnam and Togo showcases a mutual aspiration to enhance diplomatic relations, particularly in key sectors such as trade and agriculture. With both nations recognizing the potential for deeper cooperation and actively pursuing agreements to solidify their partnership, the 50th anniversary represents not just a commemorative occasion but a new chapter for collaborative growth. The establishment of frameworks for political consultations and mutual support in international forums further strengthens this relationship as both countries look to the future.
Original Source: vietnamnews.vn
