Inaugural Session of the Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Vietnam

The Inaugural Session of the Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Vietnam was held in Hanoi on 19th August 2015. Mr. Amjad B. Sial, Special Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Pakistan side while Mr. Li Hoai Trung, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs led the Vietnamese side.

The whole range of Pakistan-Vietnam bilateral relations was reviewed by the two sides. Noting the excellent tradition of friendship and cordialities of bilateral ties, they expressed satisfaction at the continued growth of mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields including political trade, commerce, security and defence. Both sides reiterated their commitments to further enhance cooperation in the fields of culture, sports, tourism and promotion of people-to-people contacts. Mr. Trung, Vice Minister agreed on streamlining the visa procedure to facilitate Pakistani businessmen intending to visit Vietnam.

Both sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and matters pertaining to cooperation at multilateral forums including the United Nations Security Council reform. Pakistan reaffirmed its desire for an enhanced partnership with ASEAN and thanked Vietnam for its support to Pakistan’s quest for Full Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN.

The Pakistan delegation expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to them during their stay in Vietnam. Later the Special Secretary also called on H.E. Mr. Pham Binh Minh, Foreign Minister of Vietnam. The need for further enhancing political relations, trade and economic ties was underlined during the meeting.

It was agreed that the next round of Bilateral Political Consultations will be held in Islamabad in 2016.

Islamabad
19 August, 2015

309/2015