Vietnam works to foster ties with Dominican Republic

A delegation from the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) paid a visit to Dominican Republic on July 15-18 to further enhance ties between the two countries.

The four-day visit, led by Head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan, was made at the invitation of the Unified Left Movement of Dominica (MIU).

During the talks with MIU General Secretary Miguel Mejia, Quan reiterated that the friendship between CPV and MIU has been growing with many signed bilateral agreements.

He said he hopes the two sides will continue working closely to accelerate bilateral relations.

Lauding the socio-economic achievements that the Dominican Republic has gained over the past years as well as MIU’s contributions to the country’s development, Quan expressed belief that with the efforts by the government and political parties, including the MIU, Dominican people will record more success in their development process.

Regarding China’s illegal placement of its Haiyang Shiyou – 981 oil rig in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, Quan underscored that the act seriously violated Vietnam’s sovereignty, infringed international law and threatened maritime security and safety in the East Sea.

He said Vietnam is determined to resolutely safeguard its sovereignty and legitimate rights in accordance with international law, and demands China not to repeat such illegal move again.

Head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan (L) and the President of the Dominican Senate Reinaldo Pared Perez.

For his part, Miguel Mejia affirmed MIU’s constant support to Vietnam in its cause of national construction and development.

He said CPV’s leadership experience is important to MIU in its process of enhancing its role in Dominican politic system.

The MIU leader also pledged to continue exerting efforts to foster the friendship and cooperation between the two parties and peoples, as well as the two country’s partnership in economics, trade and investment.

During the visit, the CPV delegation paid a courtesy call to Vice President Margarita Cedeno de Fernandez and attended a special session of the Dominica’s Congress.

They also had meetings with speakers of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Congress and held working sessions with a number of Dominican government officials.

During the meetings, Quan proposed that the two countries soon launch negotiations for agreements on investment encouragement and protection, and double tax avoidance, while creating favourable conditions for businesses of both countries to seek opportunities in each other’s market.

He suggested that the Dominican Republic recognise Vietnam’s market economy status and support the country’s bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure.

Quan also informed the host of the East Sea tension and Vietnam’s constant stance of settling disputes through peaceful measures in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Dominican officials stated that they will continue working hard to bolster the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, especially in economics and trade.

Regarding the East Sea issue, they spoke highly of Vietnam’s attitude of restraint and goodwill, as well as its stance of seeking peaceful solutions. They underscored that national sovereignty of all countries as well as international law must be respected.