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| Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai, at the Presidential Palace, November 19, 2024. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Poland) |
From June 11-12, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and his wife will pay an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation ofPresident Luong Cuong. On this occasion, Vietnamese Ambassador to Poland and Lithuania Ha Hoang Hai shared with The Gioi Va Viet Nam Newspaper the significance and expectations of the visit of the leader of this Baltic country.
How does the Ambassador assess the purpose and significance of Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's visit to Vietnam?
This is the first high-level visit by a Lithuanian head of state to Vietnam in many years, a very important diplomatic event, vividly demonstrating the traditional friendship and good cooperation between the two countries.
The visit takes place in the context of the two countries' efforts to promote deeper bilateral relations as well as cooperation between Vietnam and Central Eastern European countries within the framework of the European Union (EU).
Contributing to further strengthening the trustful political relationship, expanding economic-trade-investment cooperation, education-training, digital transformation, innovation and other potential areas, the visit is also an opportunity for senior leaders of the two countries to exchange strategic visions on regional and global issues of mutual concern, promoting cooperation within the bilateral and multilateral frameworks, especially at the forums of the United Nations, ASEM and ASEAN-EU.
The visit not only contributes to creating new momentum for bilateral relations but also sends a positive message about the connection and sharing between two countries with the same aspirations for development and commitment to peace, cooperation and sustainable development.
For Vietnam, Lithuania is a good-willed partner with potential for mutual support, and an important bridge to promote Vietnam-EU cooperation in general, especially in the context of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) gradually taking effect.
I personally believe that this visit will open a new chapter in Vietnam-Lithuania relations, bringing bilateral cooperation to more substantial, effective and comprehensive development in the coming time.
"The visit not only contributes to creating new momentum for Vietnam-Lithuania relations but also sends a positive message about the connection and sharing between two countries with the same aspirations for development and commitment to peace, cooperation and sustainable development." (Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai) |
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| Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son held talks with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on October 25, 2023 in Hanoi. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
During the official visit to Vietnam, the most important highlight will be the talks between President Gitanas Nauseda and President Luong Cuong, along with high-level meetings with leaders of the Vietnamese Government and National Assembly. These meetings are of strategic significance, contributing to strengthening the trustful political relationship and expanding the foundation of substantive cooperation between the two countries in many fields.
During the visit, the two sides are expected to sign a number of important cooperation documents, discuss specific measures to promote bilateral trade, expand cooperation in the fields of education and training, high-tech agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy and digital transformation. A number of meetings between companies and corporations of the two countries, business forums and policy dialogues will also be held on the sidelines of the visit, aiming to create practical conditions for the business communities of the two countries to meet and exchange investment and trade cooperation opportunities.
As the Vietnamese Ambassador in charge of the area, I hope this visit will mark an important turning point in bilateral relations, from the traditional friendship period to a period of increasingly deeper, more substantive and effective cooperation.
I believe that the presence of President Gitanas Nauseda in Vietnam not only affirms Lithuania's political determination to strengthen relations with Vietnam, but also opens up new prospects, contributing to the strong development of bilateral relations, in accordance with the common interests and aspirations of the people of the two countries.
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| President Gitanas Nauseda received Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai at the Presidential Palace, November 19, 2024. |
Lithuania is a traditional friend and partner of Vietnam in Central and Eastern Europe. Could you share some highlights of the bilateral relationship over the past three decades?
Vietnam and Lithuania officially established diplomatic relations on March 18, 1992. Since then, after more than three decades of development with the foundation of political trust and goodwill for cooperation, the relationship between the two countries has been continuously strengthened and expanded in many fields.
In terms of politics and diplomacy , the two sides maintain effective contact and coordination at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, ASEM and ASEAN-EU. Lithuania is one of the EU member states that always shows a positive stance in promoting comprehensive relations between Vietnam and the EU. Lithuania's support in the ratification process of the EVFTA and EVIPA is of practical significance to Vietnam, contributing to opening up many new opportunities for economic and investment cooperation.
In terms of economy and trade, although two-way turnover is still modest compared to the potential, it has recorded positive growth in recent years. Many of Vietnam's strengths such as agricultural products, seafood, textiles, and footwear have been present in the Lithuanian market. In contrast, Lithuania has strengths in areas such as logistics, pharmaceuticals, food technology, digital transformation, and clean energy - areas that Vietnam is very interested in promoting.
In the field of education, cooperation between the two countries has a long tradition and is being restored and renewed. Currently, hundreds of Vietnamese students have been studying and researching in Lithuania, while many universities of the two countries are looking for opportunities for joint training, scholar exchange and technology transfer.
In addition, the Vietnamese community living in Lithuania, although not large in number, has always been an effective bridge of friendship, actively contributing to fostering the feelings between the people of the two countries. Cultural, artistic, sports and festival exchanges have also been bright spots in people-to-people relations in recent times.
Looking back over the past 30 years, it can be affirmed that the Vietnam-Lithuania relationship has been built on the foundation of sincere friendship, mutual respect and has increasingly brought practical benefits to both sides.
According to the Ambassador, in what areas is there potential and room to enhance bilateral cooperation?
Vietnam and Lithuania have a lot of potential and room to expand bilateral cooperation in a substantive and effective manner in the coming time, especially in the context of the two economies being highly complementary and both making efforts to diversify foreign relations, promote sustainable growth and deep international integration.
First of all, the economic - trade - investment sector is the top priority. Vietnam is a dynamic economy with a population of nearly 100 million people and an open market, while Lithuania has strengths in technology, logistics, food processing, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. Effectively utilizing the EVFTA will help the two countries promote the exchange of goods, expand markets and form regional supply chains between the EU and ASEAN, in which Vietnam can be an attractive investment destination for Lithuanian businesses.
Second, digital transformation and innovation are areas where the two countries can cooperate strongly. Lithuania is currently a fintech and startup hub in the Baltic region, with many innovative models and solutions that can be shared with Vietnam, especially in digital governance, cybersecurity and e-government development.
Third, education, training and science and technology continue to be bright spots in bilateral cooperation. Universities of the two countries are promoting many student exchange programs, training and research cooperation. Vietnam welcomes Lithuania's granting of scholarships, creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese students to study and conduct research at Lithuania's high-quality educational institutions.
In addition, the two countries can also expand cooperation in the fields of high-tech agriculture, healthcare - pharmaceuticals, tourism, culture and environmental protection, especially in the context of the world facing global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. These fields not only bring economic benefits but also contribute to enhancing understanding, connecting people and building strategic trust between the two countries.
With the foundation of traditional friendship and political determination of the leaders of the two countries, I believe that the above-mentioned areas of cooperation will continue to be strongly developed, bringing practical results to both Vietnam and Lithuania.
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| A corner of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania. (Source: Alamy) |
What special impressions does the Ambassador have of the country and people of this Baltic European country?
Based on more than 20 years of working at the European Department - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, through different positions, but all in charge of and attached to the Lithuanian region, as well as currently being honored to be the Vietnamese Ambassador to Poland and Lithuania, I always have special affection and respect for the country and its people.
Lithuania is a small country in terms of area but rich in identity, with a long-standing cultural and historical tradition, and especially a resilient and independent spirit in protecting sovereignty and national identity, as well as in the process of European integration and globalization.
I am deeply impressed by the harmonious beauty between nature and ancient architecture in Lithuania - a country that both preserves its traditional heritage and develops dynamically in the fields of digital economy, education and science and technology.
In particular, what left the deepest impression on me were the Lithuanian people – sincere, loyal, community-minded and open-minded towards international friends. In foreign affairs activities, I clearly felt the goodwill, respect and constructive cooperation from Lithuanian partners, whether in government, academia, business or the people.
I also appreciate the local government’s attention and support for the Vietnamese community here – a community that, although not large in number, always strives to integrate well, preserve its national identity and make positive contributions to the local society. This is a lively bridge of friendship between the people of the two countries.
With those sincere feelings, I always wish to continue to contribute to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening the connection between Vietnam and Lithuania - two countries that, although geographically distant, are increasingly close in the hearts of their people.
Thank you very much Ambassador!
| "Vietnam and Lithuania have a lot of potential and room to expand bilateral cooperation in a practical and effective manner in the coming time, especially in the context of the two economies being highly complementary and both making efforts to diversify foreign relations, promote sustainable growth and deep international integration." (Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai) |
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dai-su-ha-hoang-hai-chuong-moi-trong-quan-he-viet-nam-va-lithuania-doi-tac-thien-chi-tiem-nang-vung-baltic-317061.html
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