Santo Domingo, November 22, 2024 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, on Thursday afternoon, delivered a policy speech at the Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training (INESDYC) in Santo Domingo, highlighting the importance of elevating bilateral relations between Vietnam and the Dominican Republic to new heights.
Prime Minister Chính noted the significant similarities between the two nations, despite their geographical distance. Both countries share strategic positions in their respective regions, economies that complement and promote each other, rich and unique cultures, and a mutual commitment to national independence, prosperity, and human well-being. He also emphasized both countries’ aspirations to contribute to regional and global peace, security, and sustainable development.
The Prime Minister addressed the major global trends reshaping the world, including advancements in science and technology, climate change, the rise of global fragmentation, and the importance of high-quality human resources. He stressed that no nation can tackle these challenges alone, advocating for an inclusive and comprehensive approach that promotes multilateralism and international law.
Highlighting Vietnam’s remarkable transformation over the past 40 years, from a war-torn country to a middle-income economy, Prime Minister Chính outlined Vietnam’s achievements in diplomacy, trade, and sustainable development. With diplomatic relations with 194 countries, membership in over 70 international organizations, and 17 free trade agreements, Vietnam’s economy is now among the world’s 34 largest, with a trade turnover projected to reach $800 billion by 2024.
Prime Minister Chính reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to deepening comprehensive cooperation with the Dominican Republic, advocating for the negotiation of key agreements in free trade, investment protection, visa exemption, and collaboration in various sectors, including agriculture, education, energy, and climate change.
The Prime Minister identified six priority areas for strengthening bilateral relations, including enhancing political trust, advancing economic and trade cooperation, and intensifying collaboration in agriculture, science and technology, and green transition. He also highlighted the importance of fostering education, tourism, and cultural exchanges while addressing global challenges like climate change and energy security.
Emphasizing the significance of Vietnam’s relations with Latin America, Prime Minister Chính noted that the Vietnam-Dominican Republic partnership serves as a bridge between Southeast Asia and Latin America, and it holds immense potential to become an exemplary model of South-South cooperation.
In a separate meeting with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic, Jose Julio Gomez, and INESDYC Rector Jose Rafael Espaillat, Prime Minister Chính underscored Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and multilateral engagement. He expressed support for enhanced cooperation between the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) and INESDYC, particularly in academic exchanges, policy dialogue, and training initiatives.
Both Dominican officials congratulated Vietnam on its foreign policy achievements and proposed further strengthening cooperation through the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between the DAV and INESDYC.
Prime Minister Chính concluded his address by expressing confidence that the Vietnam-Dominican Republic relationship would continue to grow, bringing tangible benefits to both nations and contributing to global peace, democracy, and progress.
