Vietnam, Chile strengthen comprehensive partnership

Vietnam and Chile relations have finely developed, and the two sides agreed to further strengthen the comprehensive partnership in the coming time. Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang made the statement at the press conference held here on Thursday to inform outcomes of talks between him and his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera Echenique during the latter's visit to Vietnam. On behalf of the Vietnamese state and people, he warmly welcomed the visit to Vietnam by Chilean President Sebastian Pinera Echenique and the Chilean high-ranking delegation, which aims to promote bilateral ties, said the Vietnamese President at the press conference. Sang said during the talks that the two sides informed each other of their respective country's situation and agreed upon measures to boost all-sided cooperation between the two countries. They also exchanged views on international issues of common concern and agreed to maintain the exchange of visits at different levels and close coordination at international forums. Vietnam and Chile signed the Free Trade Agreement in November 2011, which he believed will work as an impetus to boost all-sided cooperation between the two countries, Sang informed the press. He said the Vietnam-Chile two-way trade turnover reached nearly 500 million U.S. dollars in 2011, over 264.1 million U.S. dollars in 2009, an average annual growth of 30 percent. The Vietnam-Chile Joint Statement was signed after the talks, which was expected to work as a firm foundation to boost bilateral ties. The Chilean president said his visit to Vietnam this time, the third at the Chilean state level since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1971, was aimed at further promoting multifaceted relations with Vietnam, especially in economy. Sebastian Pinera Echenique is paying a 5-day visit to Vietnam ( March 21-25) at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Truong Tan Sang. Enditem