During the talks, the Timor-Lester minister congratulated Vietnam on its success in its ASEAN Chairmanship role in 2020, and appreciated Vietnam’s assistance when her country faced difficulties, including exporting rice to help Timor-Leste ensure domestic food security.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh takes part in the talks. (Photo: VNA)

For his part, Deputy PM and FM Minh expressed his delight at the growth in bilateral trade despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the global economy, affirming that Vietnam is ready to assist and cooperate with Timor-Leste in the areas the latter has demand in such as agriculture, fisheries, and oil and gas.

He suggested that the two sides should set up and implement mechanisms and specific measures to tap into the huge cooperation potential.

He asked Timor-Leste to soon ratify the bilateral trade agreement inked in 2013; sign a bilateral investment protection agreement and another on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders; facilitate the operations of Vietnamese enterprises in Timor-Leste, including Viettel Telemor; and deal with emerging issues in line with laws and the spirit of the two countries’ sound cooperation.

The two officials agreed to promote the two foreign ministries’ role in strengthening multifaceted cooperation, including delegation exchanges at all levels, the early establishment of a joint committee for bilateral cooperation to create a framework for fostering ties in the fields suitable to their countries’ potential and demand.

They also agreed to work together to effectively implement the 2015 deal on cooperation in rice trading and create favorable conditions for Timor-Leste students to study in Vietnam. Vietnam and Timor-Leste will continue to cooperate and support each other at regional and international organizations and forums, especially the United Nations, they added.

Deputy PM and FM Minh welcomed and voiced support for Timor-Leste’s aspiration to become a member of ASEAN.

Translated by Chung Anh