(VOVworld) – Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc has paid visits to Latin American and Caribbean countries to boost economics, trade and investment ties with the region.

Venezuela's photo and handicraft exhibitions (Photo: VNA)

In Venezuela, Mr. Ngoc met with Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Energy and Petroleum, Rafael Ramirez, and Foreign Minister Elias Jaua. He also co-hosted meetings between ministries and sectors of the two countries. Senior Venezuelan leaders affirmed that the Venezuelan government appreciated its comprehensive partnership with Vietnam, promoting and creating favorable conditions for bilateral cooperation. The two sides also agreed on ways to exchange delegates, organize the 25^th anniversary of Vietnamese-Venezuelan diplomatic ties and complete the legal framework for bilateral ties. The leaders of both countries also discussed regional and international issues and affirmed support for each other at regional and international forums such as the United Nations, Human Rights Committee, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

In Columbia and the Dominican Republic, Deputy Foreign Minister Ngoc met with the United Leftwing Movement Party General Secretary and Minister for Regional Integration Affairs, Miguel Mejia, had political meetings with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and met with officials from Ministries and the economic, trade, agriculture, tourism and investment sectors. Both sides stressed the need to promote cooperation in economics, trade, and investment in a more practical and effective manner. They agreed to select projects to exploit the potentials and meet the demands of the two countries in trade, shrimp breeding, coffee, infrastructure, petroleum and telecommunication.

Regarding the latest movements in the East Sea, both leaders expressed deep concern over China’s acts, which have caused tensions in the East Sea. They stressed that it is necessary to solve international conflicts through peaceful dialogue without using force, based on international laws including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.