Ambassador Thanh (R) presented the Letter of Credence from President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Uruguayan President Pou at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace. (Photo: VNA)

Uruguayan President Lacalle Pou joined with Vietnamese Ambassador Duong Quoc Thanh to discuss a range of measures aimed at further promoting strong ties between the two countries amid both nations set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic ties ahead in 2023.

Ambassador Thanh presented the Letter of Credence from President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Uruguayan President Pou at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace, Estevez Palace in the presence of Foreign Minister Francisco Bustillo and Chief of Staff to the President Alvaro Delgado.

President Pou agreed that the two countries must increase direct meetings and compare notes on issues regarding politics, economics, culture, people-to-people exchanges, as well as major orientations in order to deepen the relationship in the future.

The Uruguayan leader hailed Vietnamese economic development achievements over the years, as well as the nation’s role and position in the international arena. He went on to express confidence in his position, with the Ambassador set to make positive contributions to the development of good relations between both sides.

As part of this occasion, Minister Bustillo said that he would make a visit to Vietnam and a number of Southeast Asian countries later this year when Uruguay assumes the role of rotating President of the South American Common Market (MERCOSUR). This will be done as part of greater efforts to enhance economic relations with Vietnam, as well as with ASEAN member states in general.

Expressing his honour at assuming the responsibility of being Vietnamese Ambassador to Uruguay, Ambassador Thanh respectfully conveyed regards from President Phuc to President Pou, as well as to the Uruguayan Government and citizens.

The diplomat therefore pledged to give his best efforts to contribute to the strong development of sound ties between the two countries, thereby serving the interests of the two peoples.

He emphasized that 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of both nations diplomatic relations which began back in 1993, and wished that the two countries would intensify exchanges at all levels and jointly organise a range of diverse activities aimed at developing bilateral relations in a practical and effective manner.

Ambassador Thanh also informed President Pou about new features regarding the Vietnamese socio-economic situation in recent times, as well as major development goals and orientations for national development.

Following the ceremony, Ambassador Thanh offered flowers in memory of General Jose Gervasio Artigas, the hero of Uruguayan national liberation.