Enhancing ties between Mexico-Vietnam ties

Diplomatic relations between Mexico and Viet Nam have come a long way since 1975. On occasion of Mexican Independence Day (Sep 16), Ambassador Sara Valdes Bolano reflects on the latest developments in her country and relations with Vietnam.

In her article, the ambassador noted the current situation in Mexico, including the presidential, parliament and local elections in July which is considered “the largest ever in its history, will lead to a new administration on December 1” as well as sound development of the economy.

Viva Mexico: The sculpture "City Stories" by Paloma Torres was donated by Mexico to Danang´s APEC Park on the occasion of APEC 2018. — Photo courtesy of the Mexican Embassy

Ambassador Bolano also listed other accomplishments of two sides’ cooperation.“Among the latter, VietNam holds a very special place” she said, noting that throughout over four decades of relations, the ties have been growth tremendously based on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation.

At the same time, the Ambassador noted various important events which recently lift up bilateral ties, including Presidents Enrique Pena Nieto meeting with President Tran Dai Quang during their meeting in Da Nang in November 2017, in which both leaders agreed to foster relations in all areas, especially in the economic sector

The Mexican diplomat also noted the visit of a Mexican legislators, led by the President of the Mexican Senate, Ernesto Cordero, in Hanoi in January 2018.

"He held meetings with the Party Secretary General, HE Nguyen Phu Trong, as well as with HE. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, National Assembly President. With both Vietnamese leaders he agreed on the excellent relations between our countries at the executive and legislative level, they also discussed ways to boost it even further."

In terms of economics, the Mexican diplomat highlighted the stable growth of twoway trade, which have been progressing rapidly in multi areas.

"Bilateral trade has increased steadily between 2009 and 2016, and in 2017 it totalled $4.9 billion. This is bound to develop since our countries are both signatories of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), ratified by the Mexican Senate last April. In this perspective, the Joint Committee on Economic Trade and Investment Co-operation held its First Meeting in November 2017 at the vice-ministerial level. This year, three Mexican trade missions visited Vietnam, while a Vietnamese export mission was in my country this week."

In addition to politics and economics, the ambassador also noted the progress of Bilateral co-operation in many other areas, particularly new areas, including defence, training in public administration, diplomatic studies, as well as in research on forestry, agriculture and animal husbandry.

“To promote deeper understanding among our peoples through art, cultural co-operation is a key area of Mexico-Vietnam ties. Among other activities, Mexico was present at the Hue Festival 2018, where performances by the Nematatlin Mexican folk group were much appreciated by Vietnamese audiences," she highlighted.

"Our Embassy works closely with Vietnamese universities in order to promote the teaching of Spanish language, as well as deeper understanding of Mexico by its students. Mexico was represented at the X Hue Festival last April Hue International by a Internationally acknowledged musical group from Veracruz. The Mexican News Agency NOTIMEX and Vietnam News Agency renewed their cooperation agreement in 2017 that will continue enhance the quality of the information that both societies can access of each other.

On the other hand, the number of Vietnamese visitors to Mexico has been steady, close to 4000 people in 2017; more and more Mexican tourists are visiting Vietnam, as the country has elevated its international image and improved air connectivity between Mexico and the Asia-Pacific region.The establishment of the Honorary Consulate of Mexico in HCM City last December is contributing substantially to foster trade, cultural and people-to-people relations," she wroted in another article published on The World and Vietnam in May.

Based on the solid foundation of bilateral ties, Ambassador Bolano expressed her strong belief in the bright prospect of two sides' relations in future as she wrote:

"Shared principles and views are at the heart of strong cooperation in the multilateral agenda, including peace and security, disarmament, sustainable development and combating climate change. Global challenges in the economic, social, security and environmental spheres affect not only our countries but also our regions and the planet as a whole. Mexico and Vietnam are both deeply committed to the multilateral system and ready to further enhance coordination in reaching global solutions to these challenges"./.

( VNF )