Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong

The visit, the first by a Vietnamese head of state to Chile in 15 years, aligns with Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralism in international relations. It also reflects Vietnam’s commitment to proactive and comprehensive international integration and enhanced multilateral diplomacy, following the direction set by the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

On March 25, 1971, Chile established diplomatic relations with Vietnam, becoming the first South American nation to do so. Despite their geographic distance, Vietnam and Chile have enjoyed a strong, historic relationship. During Vietnam’s struggle for national independence and unification, Chile was a center of solidarity, where movements supporting Vietnam were very active. At the height of Vietnam’s fight for national independence, Chile became the second South American country, after Cuba, to formally establish diplomatic ties, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.

In 1990, the two countries elevated diplomatic relations to the ambassadorial level, and since then, Vietnam and Chile have achieved numerous milestones in their cooperative partnership. The two sides have frequently maintained high-level visit exchanges and collaboration at international forums, helping to increase mutual trust. Notable visits included those of Vietnamese leaders such as Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh (May 2007), President Tran Duc Luong (November 2004), President Nguyen Minh Triet (September 2009), and Prime Minister Phan Van Khai (October 2002). Vietnam also welcomed visits by many Chilean leaders, including Presidents Ricardo Lagos (October 2003), Michelle Bachelet (in both November 2006 and November 2017), and Sebastian Pinera (March 2012).

Over the years, the two countries have signed numerous agreements, establishing a legal framework for cooperation across fields, including politics, economics, trade, and education. Key achievements include the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership in 2007, the signing of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement in 2011, and their joint membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2018. These agreements have fostered deeper bilateral relations and enabled the organization of numerous high-level delegations based on mutual trust and commitment to advancing ties.

Trade remains a highlight of the Vietnam-Chile relationship. As members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), both countries have substantial cooperation opportunities. Two-way trade turnover between the two countries has grown significantly from US$534 million in 2013 to US$2.15 billion in 2022. The first nine months of 2024 saw bilateral trade rise 5% year on year to nearly US$1.3 billion.

Chile is currently Vietnam’s fourth largest export market in Latin America, following Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, while Vietnam is Chile’s top trading partner in ASEAN. Vietnam’s primary exports include mobile phones and components, textiles, footwear, clinker and cement, rice, bags, wallets, suitcases, hats, umbrellas, and furniture made from materials other than wood. In contrast, Vietnam primarily imports raw materials from Chile that support its export industries, including copper, pinewood, wood pulp, fishmeal for animal feed, and wine.

The strong traditional relationship between Vietnam and Chile, coupled with each market’s unique appeal, has fostered a closer partnership, motivating both countries to further expand and develop their comprehensive relations, particularly in the fields of economics and trade.

In addition to trade and investment cooperation, people-to-people diplomacy is also a notable highlight of the Vietnam-Chile relationship. In recent years, the Vietnam-Chile Friendship and Cooperation Association has worked with related organizations to implement meaningful activities aimed at strengthening friendly relations between the two countries. These initiatives span various fields, not only including prominent ceremonial events but also promoting economic, trade, cultural, artistic, educational, and tourism exchanges, helping to popularize the two countries’ image.

Despite the geographical distance, the strong mutual affection and commitment between the two countries contribute positively to bilateral cooperation and each side’s development. Looking forward, Vietnam and Chile plan to further expand cooperation and people-to-people diplomacy to support economic growth and deepen mutual understanding between these two countries.