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| Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (R) and Armenian National Assembly President Alen Simonyan. (Photo: VNA) |
Reporter: Dear Ambassador Suren Baghdasaryan, how do you evaluate the significance and purpose of this visit of the Armenian parliament speaker?
Ambassador Suren Baghdasaryan: Following the official visit of H.E. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in July 2019, we recorded another high-level visit in the history of our interstate relations. The visit of the delegation led by H.E. Mr. Alen Simonyan, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia gave a new impetus to the high-level political dialogue between our countries, which was paused due to crucial events in recent years, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, wars in the South Caucasus and Eastern Europe regions, and political and economic developments.
Inter-parliamentary relations play an important role in the relations between our two countries. Undoubtedly, this visit fostered deepening these relations. Our parliamentary delegation conveyed the greetings and friendship of the Armenian people, who stood by their Vietnamese friends during difficult times.
It is important to note that during the visit we had very productive discussions on bilateral relations, as well as regional and global issues of common interest. The President of Armenian National Assembly met with the leaders of Vietnam – Secretary General H.E. Mr To Lam, President of the Republic H.E. Mr. Luong Cuong and had very substantial dialogue with his colleague - President of the Vietnamese National Assembly H.E. Mr Trang Thanh Man
Reporter: Could you please review the highlights of the cooperation between our two countries up to now?
Ambassador Suren Baghdasaryan: The relations between our two countries has always been amicable, allowing both sides to communicate openly and frankly with one another.
We share a rich historical connection that dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries when Armenian merchants traded in the Tonkin Gulf area. In the 20th century, we witnessed close relations within the framework of Soviet-Vietnamese cooperation. Notably, President Ho Chi Minh visited Yerevan in 1959. Armenian specialists from various fields worked in Vietnam, contributing not only to the friendship between the two peoples, but also the development of the host country. Additionally, many Vietnamese students studied in Armenia during this time.
After Armenia gained its independence, we began consistently developing our interstate relations with Vietnam. Over the past years, we have seen official visits from the President of Armenia to Vietnam, as well as visits from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam to Armenia. As previously mentioned, the official visit of our Prime Minister in 2019 further solidified these ties. Furthermore, Armenia opened its diplomatic mission in Hanoi in 2013, signifying the importance our country places on its partnership with Vietnam.
Now, we look forward to moving ahead together—strengthening and deepening our collaboration and political dialogue in critical areas such as high-tech industry, trade, educational exchanges, and people-to-people contacts.
Vietnam is an important partner for Armenia in the ASEAN region. Our goal is to build an agenda where both countries can prosper, feel secure, enjoy peace, and ultimately achieve the shared vision of a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam and Armenia.
It is essential to note that we both have a vested interest in maintaining a rules-based international order. Both sides are committed to upholding the principles of respect for each other's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Armenia sincerely believes that Vietnam’s policies promote stability both regionally and globally. Vietnam has traditionally pursued a multi-dimensional diplomacy. This approach aligns with Armenia's peace agenda and our diplomatic efforts to build the “Crossroads of Peace” project initiated by our Prime Minister.
There is much that unites Armenia and Vietnam. We have creative, energetic, and entrepreneurial people who believe that everyone should live in security, prosperity, and dignity. In pursuit of this vision, we are more engaged across the Asia-Pacific region than we have been in recent decades, including our partnership with Vietnam.
We are currently collaborating closely with the Vietnamese government to identify areas for cooperation—whether in trade, high-tech industry, agriculture, tourism, education, or science.
Another crucial area is people-to-people exchanges. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, approximately 1,000 Vietnamese students were studying at Armenian universities and specialized institutes. I hope we will see this number rise again soon. Young people will play a vital role in building bridges and promoting understanding between our two countries.
In fact, our nations share many common interests and goals. We have cooperated at a high level across various sectors; thus, we believe this is an opportune time to further enhance our relations. We are focused on building a mutually beneficial partnership that respects both countries' needs and ensures that our peoples enjoy prosperous and stable lives. I am optimistic about our future collaboration. While I cannot speak for the government of Vietnam, I can assure you that the government of Armenia is dedicated to making this vision a reality and will continue its efforts towards that end.
Reporter: Organizing connections between Vietnamese and Armenian businesses; promoting the establishment of the Armenia - Vietnam Friendship Association; establishing a direct flight between the two countries are activities to promote the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Could you please tell us how these activities are being implemented?
Ambassador Suren Baghdasaryan: The Vietnam-Armenia Friendship Association brings together individuals who graduated from Armenian universities during the Soviet era. Its members cherish warm memories of Armenia and maintain close ties with the Armenian Embassy in Hanoi. These friends of Armenia have made significant contributions to Vietnam’s development.
We are also seeing an increasing presence of Armenian businessmen in Vietnam, who are becoming more engaged in various cooperative projects. A virtual platform has already been established to unite these businessmen with their partners from other ASEAN countries. We expect to receive practical proposals from them regarding the organization of contacts with the Vietnamese business community and the implementation of joint projects.
The Vietnam-Armenia Trade & Technology Mission is in its final stages of formation and is set to take place in either Ho Chi Minh City or Yerevan in 2025, with entrepreneurs, investors, and government agencies from both sides expected to participate.
Undoubtedly, the opening of direct air connection between Armenia and Vietnam would significantly enhance cooperation between our business communities, as well as promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges. We are currently discussing with the Vietnamese side establishing cooperation between the civil aviation authorities of both countries, which will facilitate the establishment of direct flights between Armenia and Vietnam.
Reporter: It can be said that in recent times, thanks to the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union, of which Armenia is a member, and the establishment of the Armenian Honorary Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, economic and trade cooperation between our two countries has shown positive signs. Could you please evaluate the future of economic and trade relations between Vietnam and Armenia?
Ambassador Suren Baghdasaryan: We are always looking for ways to ensure that our trade relations contribute to a stable and prosperous overall partnership between our two countries. Trade cooperation is crucial—it connects nations, people and economies.
Vietnam is now the fastest-growing economy in Asia. Currently, our trade turnover stands at USD 800 million, which is several times greater than 15 years ago. We are actively seeking opportunities to bring more Armenian products to Vietnam. In terms of investment, we anticipate an increase in Vietnamese and Armenian investors exploring opportunities in each other's countries, which will create more jobs for our people.
With the upcoming signing of a mutual visa waiver agreement between our countries, it will become easier for Armenians and Vietnamese to visit each other for business and tourism purposes.
Moreover, within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, Armenia has established a free trade regime with Vietnam. In this context, we believe that our country can be of great interest to Vietnamese business circles, particularly in terms of importing Armenian beverages—such as brandy and wine—and processed agricultural products that can compete in the Vietnamese market.
The opening of the Honorary Consulate of Armenia in Ho Chi Minh City marks another significant step in enhancing cooperation between Vietnam and Armenia. I would like to emphasize the important role that the Armenian Honorary Consulate plays in facilitating communication, promoting cultural exchanges and fostering economic cooperation between our two countries. This year, we have already hosted an Armenian Cultural Night in Ho Chi Minh City organized by the Honorary Consulate, as well as held visits from representatives of Ho Chi Minh City's technological and educational institutions to Armenia.
Reporter: Will the Armenian Embassy organize more cultural, artistic and literary activities for the Vietnamese public in the near future, Ambassador?
Ambassador Suren Baghdasaryan: Armenia is committed to developing humanitarian, cultural, and educational ties with Vietnam. We are prepared to engage audiences and arrange cultural and other events as platforms for expanding access to education and economic opportunities. Last year the Government of Armenia sponsored the publication of the Vietnamese translation of the renowned Armenian writer Khachik Dashtents' novel "Call of the Ploughmen," which was presented in Hanoi.
Currently, the Embassy is exploring the possibility of organizing concerts featuring works by famous Armenian composers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Culture, art and music are vital connections that bring people together and promote peace worldwide.
Reporter: Thank you very much!