At the talks between Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his Chilean counterpart Alberto Van Klaveren

At the talks, both diplomats informed each other about the situation in each nation, discussed directions and measures to strengthen the Vietnam - Chile comprehensive partnership, and regional and international issues of shared concern.

FM Son affirmed Vietnam's recognition of importance to the traditional friendship with Chile, the first country in South America to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam on March 25, 1971.

He rejoiced over the development of the comprehensive partnership, especially the bilateral economic and trade relations with trade exceeding US$2 billion.

Chile remains Vietnam's 4th largest trading partner in Latin America and Vietnam continues to be Chile's biggest trading partner in ASEAN.

Son stated that Vietnam wishes to deepen relations with Chile in the fields of politics-diplomacy, economics-trade-investment, culture, education, science-technology, security-defence and people-to-people exchange, and backs Chile's steps to strengthen relations with ASEAN and the East Asia - Pacific region.

For his part, Van Klaveren expressed his delight to return to Vietnam as Foreign Minister of Chile. He expressed his admiration for the important achievements Vietnam has gained in its Doi Moi (renewal) process, national construction and development, and international integration.

He affirmed that the Chilean Government aspires to boost ties with Vietnam in its general policy towards the Asia-Pacific region, especially when Vietnam and Chile are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the implementation of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (2014-2024) and both recently became members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Chile wishes to coordinate with Vietnam to foster relations between the Pacific Alliance, that consists of Chile, Mexico, Colombia and Peru, and ASEAN.

The two sides discussed and agreed on a number of measures to further deepen the relationship between the two countries in the coming time, including coordinating to arrange and prepare high-level visits, effectively promoting the mechanisms of political consultation and the Vietnam-Chile free trade council, coordinating to remove obstacles in bilateral relations and facilitating market access for products of both sides.

They reviewed and consented to accelerate and negotiate a number of cooperation agreements in the fields of trade, customs, agriculture, defence, security and law enforcement. The official concurred to maintain coordination and mutual support at international organizations and multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations.

With regard to international and regional issues of mutual concern, the two diplomats also agreed to maintain coordination and support each other at international organization and multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations.

On international and regional of shared concern, they agreed that international disputes should be settled by peaceful measures on the basis of respect for international law, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the two regions and the world as a whole./.