Mexico City (VNA) - The friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Panama has been continuously strengthened and expanded, demonstrated by political trust, effective collaboration at international forums, as well as steady progress in economic, trade, investment ties, and people-to-people exchanges, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico and Panama Nguyen Van Hai.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations (August 28, 1975 - 2025), Hai affirmed that despite the geographical distance, Vietnam and Panama have maintained a sincere and substantive relationship, and shared various common values, especially the determination to promote peace, sustainable development, and the protection of the legitimate interests of developing nations.

Over the past half-century, the bilateral political and diplomatic relations have remained stable and trustworthy. Bilateral cooperation mechanisms, such as the Political Consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Joint Committee for Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation, have proven effective in enhancing mutual understanding, promoting new cooperation initiatives, and deepening the foundation of the bilateral relations.

In addition, regular exchanges of delegations at various levels and close coordination at international organisations, especially the United Nations (UN), have contributed to elevating each country’s position on the international stage, the ambassador affirmed.

Regarding priority directions for future collaboration, the diplomat suggested the two sides maintain and enhance high-level exchanges, as well as regular interactions between ministries, sectors, localities, and business communities in order to strengthen political trust and promote substantive cooperation.

Additionally, there is a need to soon finalise the legal framework, such as agreements on double taxation avoidance, investment promotion and protection, and maritime transport, to create a favourable legal corridor for long-term cooperation.

Second, it is crucial to boost economic, trade, and investment collaboration, considering it a key pillar of the bilateral relationship, he stated, advising both sides to support businesses in accessing each other’s markets and exploring opportunities in high-potential sectors such as logistics, seaports, tropical agricultural products, aquatic products, textiles and garments, and renewable energy.

Third, the two nations should strengthen cooperation in education and training, cultural and tourism exchanges, and partnerships between localities to foster enduring bonds between their people, thus forming a solid social foundation for long-term friendship, Hai emphasised.

Last but not least, continued close coordination at multilateral forums, with shared perspectives and joint actions on regional and global issues, will help promote each country’s active role in the international community, he added./.