Sir Bob: PNG, Vietnam relations has potential to expand into more areas

GOVERNOR-General Sir Bob Dadae, pictured, says it is important to increase bilateral visits of leaders and officials between PNG and Vietnam to pave the way for increased exchanges between the two countries.
Speaking during the presentation of credentials for Vietnam Ambassador Pham Vinh Quang at Government House in Port Moresby yesterday, Sir Bob said relations between PNG and Vietnam had potential to grow and expand further.
“Vietnam’s vibrant economic growth and advancement from being one the world’s poorest to a lower middle-income country in the span of three decades is a significant achievement in itself,” he said.
“PNG is keen and stands ready to learn from Vietnam’s example in this regard, and look forward to expanding the already warm relations into more areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.
“These areas include agriculture, fisheries, tourism and telecommunications, to name a few.”
Sir Bob said PNG and Vietnam established formal diplomatic relations on Nov 3, 1989, and over the years that relationship had been warm and friendly.
Sir Bob said the engagements between PNG and Vietnam’s political leaders had been minimal and have occurred mainly in the multilateral area, especially on the margins of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation – Apec.
Quang said bilateral relations between the two countries had developed steadily in various fields of trade, investment, agriculture, aquaculture as well as oil and gas.
“Vietnam attaches great importance to its relationship with Papua New Guinea and the role of PNG in the region and in the world,” Quang said.
“In that spirit, Vietnam is wishing to strengthen not only our bilateral cooperation but also in multilateral aspects such as Asean and UN on issues of world importance like sustainable development, climate change, food security and marine security.”