The two sides discussed measures to further promote theVietnam-Myanmar comprehensive cooperative partnership, especially in realising high-levelagreements and documents signed in the recent past.
They expressed delight at growing ties in diverse areas, particularlyin trade and investment. Two-way trade surged to nearly 860 million USD in 2018from 152 million USD in 2010, and the figure is expected to reach 1 billion USDnext year,
Vietnam is now the seventh largest foreign investor inMyanmar with 18 projects worth nearly 2.3 billion USD. Encouraging results havealso been seen in bilateral collaboration in the fields of telecommunications,tourism, energy and transportation.
The two sides shared the view that apart from historical andcultural similarities, both Vietnam and Myanmar are members of the Associationof Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and important sub-regional mechanisms. Lyingin Asia-Pacific, they hold strengths in agriculture, energy, mining andtourism, among others.
Admitting difficulties in expanding cooperation due todifferent mechanisms, laws and regulations, both sides proposed severalinitiatives, including establishing an annual dialogue mechanism betweenMyanmar high-ranking leaders and Vietnamese enterprises, as well as between thetwo foreign ministries’ units to share professional experience and discuss waysto bolster bilateral ties.
On regional and global issues of mutual concern, Soe Hansaid the regional and global situation is developing complicatedly withuncertainties as world powers are competing for influence in Asia-Pacific.
He suggested that ASEAN should enhance solidarity and stepup the building of the ASEAN Community, affirming its position and central rolein the regional architecture.
Vu spoke highly of Soe Han’s information about the recentRakhine situation and the Myanmar government’s efforts in addressing the issue,adding that every solution should be considered thoroughly with humane approachas a centre.
Both sides highly valued the cooperation between the twoforeign ministries over the past years, especially in arranging high-levelvisits and successfully holding cooperation mechanisms, including the ninth sessionof the Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.
They expressed satisfaction about the conclusion ofnegotiations and upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding oncooperation between the two foreign ministries with practical contents thatsuit the new situation.
During a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and ForeignMinister Pham Binh Minh, Soe Han affirmed that Myanmar will actively supportVietnam in assuming the role of ASEAN Chair next year and a non-permanentmember of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020 – 2021 tenure.
Myanmar will also work closely with Vietnam on commonregional security issues, including the East Sea issues as well as the use andmanagement of Mekong River water resources, he said.
The official conveyed the Myanmar President and the StateCounsellor’s invitations to high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to visit thecountry at convenient time.
The two sides agreed to hold the ninth politicalconsultation next year in Myanmar./.