Santo Domingo, November 21, 2024 — The Europe Today: Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính and Dominican President Luis Abinader Corona held substantive talks in Santo Domingo, marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations as the first high-level visit since the establishment of diplomatic ties on July 7, 2005.
The two leaders hailed the visit as a vital impetus for deepening and diversifying cooperation between Việt Nam and the Dominican Republic. PM Chính conveyed regards from Party General Secretary Tô Lâm, State President Lương Cường, and National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn, along with their invitations for President Abinader Corona to visit Việt Nam in 2025 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The President accepted with pleasure, with the visit’s timing to be finalized through diplomatic channels.
Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
The leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in bilateral ties, particularly in politics, economy, trade, and multilateral cooperation. They underscored the importance of the Hồ Chí Minh Monument in Santo Domingo and the Juan Bosch Monument in Hà Nội as symbols of enduring friendship and solidarity between the two nations.
Both sides committed to enhancing high-level exchanges through governmental, parliamentary, and people-to-people channels to solidify political relations and mutual understanding. They agreed to strengthen the legal framework for cooperation, maximize the effectiveness of political consultations, and convene the second round of consultations between the two foreign ministries.
To deepen collaboration across multiple fields, they emphasized key areas, including:
- Economic and Trade Relations: Expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and agriculture, while negotiating agreements on free trade, investment protection, and ordinary visa exemptions.
- Technological Innovation and Green Development: Advancing digital transformation, green transition, renewable energy, and climate change responses.
- Tourism and Education: Promoting sustainable tourism development and cultural, educational, and training exchanges.
- Healthcare and Agriculture: President Abinader Corona expressed gratitude for Việt Nam’s support in providing African swine fever vaccines, bolstering agricultural resilience in the Dominican Republic.
Both sides agreed to soon hold the first session of the Joint Committee for Economic, Trade, and Industrial Cooperation, fostering collaboration in key industries such as telecommunications, energy, construction, and tourism.
Trade and Investment Gateway
The leaders acknowledged the potential for expanded trade and investment, positioning each country as a gateway to Southeast Asian and Latin American-Caribbean markets. They committed to promoting business connections and market access for key export items from both nations.
Commitment to Multilateralism and Peaceful Resolution
The two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to multilateralism and mutual support within international organizations, including the United Nations, WTO, and the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC). They emphasized resolving disputes through peaceful means, adhering to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Joint Declaration and Press Conference
Following the talks, the leaders announced the Việt Nam-Dominican Republic Joint Declaration, outlining measures to further enhance solidarity, friendship, and comprehensive cooperation. The declaration reaffirms both governments’ determination to work towards peace, stability, and prosperity for their peoples and regions.
This landmark visit underscores the growing importance of the Việt Nam-Dominican Republic partnership, paving the way for deeper collaboration and mutual benefits in the years to come.
