On the morning of March 17, President Luong Cuong met with newly appointed ambassadors from Greece, Colombia, Panama, and six other nations as they formally presented their letters of credence.

The event marked an important step in strengthening Vietnam’s diplomatic and economic partnerships worldwide.

Strengthening ties with Greece

In his meeting with Greek Ambassador Antonios Papakostas, President Luong Cuong expressed appreciation for Greece’s early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). He acknowledged the positive growth in bilateral trade but noted that investment cooperation remains limited.

The President encouraged the ambassador to promote further bilateral economic cooperation and facilitate agreements in key sectors of mutual interest. He also requested Greece’s support in urging other EU nations to ratify EVIPA and advocate for the removal of the European Commission’s IUU yellow card on Vietnamese seafood exports.

Ambassador Papakostas expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to work towards deepening Greece-Vietnam relations, particularly in economic and trade collaboration.

Expanding economic collaboration with Colombia

During talks with Colombian Ambassador Camila Maria Polo Flores, President Luong Cuong reflected on Vietnam’s economic and social development over the past four decades.

He praised the strengthening trade ties between Vietnam and Colombia and expressed hope for close cooperation in hosting the P4G Summit in 2025, following Colombia’s successful P4G 2024 Summit.

Ambassador Flores reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, particularly as the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties.

She highlighted Colombia’s interest in collaborating with Vietnam in emerging fields, such as artificial intelligence and clean energy, while also pledging continued support for Vietnam in multilateral forums.

Vietnam-Panama relations: A longstanding friendship

Welcoming Panamanian Ambassador Nubiela Ayala Modes, President Luong Cuong praised the strong traditional ties between Vietnam and Panama, emphasizing the mutual trust and solidarity shared between the two nations.

He commended Panama’s decision to appoint an ambassador with extensive experience in Vietnam, believing it would further strengthen diplomatic relations.

The President highlighted Vietnam’s appreciation of Panama’s strategic role in Central and Latin America, calling for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.

Ambassador Modes, who has lived and worked in Vietnam for years, expressed her admiration for Vietnamese culture and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in political, economic, and trade sectors.

A new milestone in Vietnam’s diplomatic relations

In addition to meeting with the ambassadors from Greece, Colombia, and Panama, President Luong Cuong received credentials from six other ambassadors representing Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Portugal, and Tanzania.

He noted that Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries, including 34 strategic and comprehensive partners. As Vietnam approaches its 80th anniversary of independence and 50th anniversary of reunification, the country remains committed to advancing its global standing.

President Luong Cuong emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to independent, multilateral diplomacy, reinforcing its role as a trustworthy global partner.

He urged the ambassadors to foster greater cooperation in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges while working together on global issues such as peace, sustainability, and economic development.

Tran Thuong