Significant historical milestone in Viet Nam-Kyrgyzstan relations

Pham welcomed the Kyrgyz Government leader on his first official visit to Viet Nam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992, adding that the visit is a significant historical milestone, opening up a new phase of cooperation in the history of the Viet Nam-Kyrgyzstan relations, paving the way for both sides to upgrade the bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership.

The Party, State, and people of Viet Nam always treasure the traditional friendship between the two nations, which has been nurtured by their leaders and peoples over generations, Pham reiterated.

Viet Nam stands ready to work as a bridge for Kyrgyzstan to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, he said, expressing his hope that Kyrgyzstan will uphold its bridging role and connect Viet Nam with the Central Asian region.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister called for Kyrgyzstan's support for the principled stance of Viet Nam and ASEAN on the East Sea issue.

Pham proposed the Kyrgyz leader assign relevant ministries and agencies to jointly explore the potential for cooperation in the production and export of Halal products to the Kyrgyz market in particular and the Central Asian market in general.

Kasymaliev, for his part, hailed Viet Nam's growing role in the Southeast Asia, affirming that Kyrgyzstan considers Viet Nam a priority in its foreign policy and wishes to develop the bilateral ties in areas where both sides have strengths and potential.

The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining all-level delegation exchanges, especially high-level engagements, via various channels.

They agreed to establish direct communication channels to effectively promote the implementation of high-level agreements and committed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations.

As bilateral trade remains unstable and has yet to reach its full potential, the two leaders emphasized the need for both countries to further leverage the opportunities provided by the Free Trade Agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

They agreed to assign relevant ministries and agencies to accelerate negotiations for the signing of agreements on avoidance of double taxation, investment promotion and protection, and economic cooperation.

Both sides vowed to expand cooperation into potential areas such as agriculture, defense and security, education and training, culture and tourism, local-to-local linkages, and transport connectivity, especially aviation and railways, to facilitate mutual understanding between their peoples and strengthen bilateral ties.

Following the meeting, both leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of an agreement on cooperation in education; a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on legal cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and the Kyrgyz Ministry of Justice; and a MoU between the Vietnamese Civil Aviation Authority and the Civil Aviation Agency of Kyrgyz Republic./.