The Dominican Republic hopes to strengthen long-term cooperation with Vietnam in many areas by highlighting similarities and twinning links between Hanoi and Santo Domingo.

The Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Vietnam, Jaime Francisco Rodriguez, shared his expectations during a meeting with the Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, Dinh Tien Dung, in Hanoi today [April 4].

Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung (third from right) and Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Vietnam Jaime Francisco Rodríguez. Photos: Thanh Hai/ The Hanoi Times

Jaime Francisco Rodriguez said that the Dominican Republic and Vietnam had experienced wars and are now independent countries. The two nations have strong ties because of their common desire for freedom and social progress.

The Ambassador shared that the President of the Dominican Republic always focuses on developing sustainable municipalities and contributing to the country's growth. The ambassador also informed about the President of the Dominican Republic's upcoming visit to Vietnam, which indicates the interest and promotion of the relationship between the localities and the capitals of both countries.

"The trade turnover between Vietnam and the Dominican Republic is only about US$100 million per year. There is still great potential for trade cooperation that needs to be taken advantage of in the coming period," the ambassador said.

He hoped that in the near future, people-to-people exchanges, cooperation in agriculture, science and technology, culture, tourism, construction, and responses to climate change would be further comprehensively promoted through the implementation of diplomatic activities.

Secretary of the City Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung

In his remarks, Hanoi Party Secretary Dinh Tien Dung spoke highly of the significance and all-encompassing accomplishments that the two Parties and countries have made, including the opening of the Dominican Republic Embassy in Vietnam in February 2023, which represents a significant turning point in the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

He concurred with the Ambassador regarding the historical analogies, the cultural growth of the two nations, and the requirements for capital city development.

According to Dung, Hanoi has given particular consideration to preserving and promoting cultural values and past treasures, establishing the city as a popular tourist destination and center for traditional education. Additionally, the city places a high priority on improving education, particularly the qualifications of both instructors and students.

He stated the great potential for collaboration between the two national capitals. He hoped the Ambassador would view Hanoi as his second home while supporting bilateral development cooperation.

The municipal Party Committee Secretary supported the position of the Ambassador in fostering improved coordination between Hanoi and Santo Domingo to advance bilateral development in the future.

He gave the municipal Department of Foreign Affairs the responsibility of serving as the focal point for future communication and implementation of cooperation between the two sides in various areas, including culture, heritage, and tourism.