VGP – Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on Wednesday met with his counterparts from Canada, Pakistan and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on the sidelines of the 45th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
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| Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and his Canadian counterpart, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, July 11, 2012 - Photo: VNA |
At the meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird, both sides expressed their pleasure at the active development of the two countries’ relations in various fields, particularly trade, economics, education, labor, agriculture as well as coordination at international and regional forums.
Foreing Minister Minh said the two countries should step up visits by high-ranking leaders and conduct practical activities to strengthen the bilateral ties on the occasion of the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2013.
Canadian Foreign Minister spoke highly of Vietnam’s development prospect and affirmed that Canada prioritizes relations with the Southeast Asian nation.
The two Foreign Ministers agreed on measures to enhance cooperation between the two governments and business circles. They also hoped the two countries would sign the framework investment protection agreement soon.
Meeting with Vietnamese counterpart, Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar highly valued Vietnam’s achievements during the renewal process and its active role in ASEAN.
He affirmed that his country gives priority to boosting relations with Vietnam.
The top Pakistani diplomat said that the two sides need to seek ways to further cooperation, especially in agriculture, garment, oil and gas and consider a possibility for the signing of a bilateral free trade agreement.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Minh and DPRK counterpart Pak Ui Chun discussed measures to accelerate the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and DPRK for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.
By Huong Giang