Deputy Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Israel symbolizes further step in upgrading diplomatic relations

In his recent interview with VGP, the Ambassador expressed his delight to welcome the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister on a high-level visit to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam-Israel diplomatic relations.

"This visit holds significant political and economic importance. The itinerary of the Deputy Prime Minister reflects the significance of this visit", he emphasized.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen will formally receive the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, who will also meet with President of Israel Isaac Herzog, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana, shared the diplomat.

"Personally, I, along with the Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel, Ly Duc Trung, will accompany this visit and have a strong commitment to follow up on its results", told the Ambassador.

The key outcome of this visit is the signing of the Viet Nam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) between Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, noted Yaron Mayer.

This milestone agreement has been negotiated for several years and will be signed in the presence of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang.

Yaron Mayer reiterated the importance of the VIFTA, which is considered as a significant milestone, carrying immense potential for trade and investment between Viet Nam and Israel, and beyond.

"We are just starting to comprehend the opportunities it presents. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who have devoted their efforts in the last 8 years to make this achievement a reality", he shared.

The agreement not only opens up numerous opportunities to further enhance the quantity and quality of trade but also facilitates the interaction of Israeli companies with Viet Nam.

Regarding specific collaborative endeavors, the Ambassador expressed his belief that it is essential to prioritize increased exchanges, be it through business delegations or people-to-people interactions.

These exchanges will facilitate mutual learning, the exploration of opportunities, and a deeper understanding of investment principles and infrastructure. The full realization of the VIFTA's benefits will necessitate the completion of several stages in its implementation to ensure optimal outcomes, he added.

"We are also looking forward to future high-level visits, including a visit by Minister Nir Barkat and an Israeli business delegation to Viet Nam in the near future", Yaron Mayer said.

Viet Nam-Israel relations thrive over span of 30 years

Regarding notable areas of cooperation between the two countries over the last three decades, Yaron Mayer said that the diplomatic relations between the two countries have thrived over the span of 30 years, encompassing various sectors.

He highlighted trade, agriculture, and education when considering the most successful areas of collaboration.

According to the Ambassador, trade between the two countries has experienced substantial growth, progressing from nearly nonexistent to over US$2 billion in bilateral trade at present.

This has acted as a catalyst for successful negotiations and the establishment of the Free Trade Agreement, which is a significant achievement.

The economies of both countries complement each other, serving as a bridge to neighboring nations. Consequently, Israel gains access to the Asian market, while Viet Nam gains entry into the Middle Eastern market.

In terms of agriculture, both sides have collaborated to adapt proven technologies and systems from Israel to suit the Vietnamese context. This cooperation has involved training programs, attracting thousands of Vietnamese students to study in Israel.

Over the course of 15 years or longer, the Mashav Development Cooperation Agency has facilitated internships in training institutions and farms, allowing participants to gain invaluable knowledge and experience.

These practices have been successfully applied in both the public and private sectors in Viet Nam, with many agricultural professionals proudly acknowledging their training in Israel.

Lastly, the field of education and training deserves mention. Although collaboration has already taken place in postgraduate and high school education, as well as agricultural training programs, there is a need for further cooperation in this domain.

The potential of Vietnamese youth in driving the country's rapid development is evident, and both sides are keen to contribute to this process through educational cooperation, particularly in areas such as innovation and creativity.

Israel has already initiated specific projects with institutes, universities, and government agencies to establish and promote training programs for young people.

For instance, the application of robotics in schools has been a focus, leading to reciprocal visits by Israeli and Vietnamese delegations and indicating promising prospects for expanding cooperation in the future.

Recently, an "Israel-Viet Nam combating cyberbullying" seminar was organized in Ha Noi.

Strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between Viet Nam, Israel

In terms of events which will be held to increase mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries, the diplomat said that promoting people-to-people relations is a vital element in the bilateral relations.

It is important for both nations to introduce each other to respective cultures and ways of thinking.

"The concept of a "startup nation" may seem straightforward, it actually begins with education from an early age, nurturing the development of ideas in the most effective ways. This is a practice we have implemented in Israel and now aim to adapt to Viet Nam", he shared.

Professionals in different sectors from Israel will come to Viet Nam for cooperation projects, while Israel welcomes Vietnamese colleagues to exchange their work and ideas in the country, asserted the Ambassador.

Regarding cultural endeavors, as the two nations celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties, both sides hold responsibility to encourage significant cultural exchanges between two nations.

Towards the end of this year, the two countries will anticipate a grand musical event where an Israeli symphony orchestra will perform alongside the Viet Nam National Symphony Orchestra, commemorating this important milestone in the bilateral relationship./.