Acting Governor-General and Parliament Speaker John Patteson Oti emphasised that the two countries established diplomatic relations 29 years ago based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, and mutual benefit.

He noted that Vietnam and the Solomon Islands are not only connected through the vast Pacific Ocean but also share aspirations for a better future.

The two countries have significant potential for cooperation in agriculture, tourism, trade, and investment, he said, adding the Solomon Islands wants to learn from Vietnam’s development experience and disaster prevention measures.

He expected that the two sides would consider negotiating a free trade agreement and strengthening cooperation in international organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Union.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele suggested that both sides establish a general coordination framework to implement bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

He also expected that the two countries would consider negotiating a visa exemption agreement to facilitate people-to-people exchanges, enhance tourism cooperation, and promote trade.

The PM took note of Vietnam’s request for support in its candidacy for a judge position at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for the 2026-2035 term.

At another meeting for the Vietnamese diplomat, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Peter Shanel Agovaka called for stronger connections, frequent delegation exchanges, and the signing of trade and investment cooperation agreements.

He expressed his desire to visit Vietnam in 2025, and invited Vietnam to send a delegation to the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for September 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

During his stay, Ambassador Tam also met with Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration, Harry Kuma, and Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nestor Giro.

At these meetings, the Vietnamese diplomat highly appreciated the foundation of cooperation, trust, mutual respect, and mutual benefit between the two states. He discussed measures to promote cooperation in various fields, including tourism, trade, investment, agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, and agro-seafood processing, as well as in renewable energy, particularly solar energy.

He proposed exploring the possibility of air connectivity between the two countries and negotiating agreements on visa exemption, avoidance of double taxation, and investment protection. He also requested that the Solomon Islands government continue to support the Vietnamese community living and working in the country.

Australia praises progress in Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam

VOV.VN - Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam held a working session with Julian Hill, Member of Parliament and Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs of Australia, at the Australian Parliament House on February 10.