New York (VNA) – Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son met with his counterparts from Cuba, Thailand, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, and Algeria in New York city on September 22.

He is accompanying President Nguyen Xuan Phuc during a trip to attend the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

At the meetings, the ministers informed about their respective countries’ socio-economic situation and pledged to enhance cooperation in politics - diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, tourism, and the COVID-19 fight, especially in terms of vaccine.

They also affirmed coordination and mutual support at important international forums. In particular, the countries said they will advocate Vietnam’s candidacy for a seat in the UN Human Rights Council in the 2023 - 2025 tenure.

Talking to Cuban FM Bruno Parrilla, Son thanked Cuba for its coordination to successfully organise President Phuc’s official visit, highly valuing the country’s collaboration with Vietnam in COVID-19 prevention and control, especially the presentation of its Abdala vaccine right in the freshly finished tour.

Parrilla appreciated Vietnam’s solidarity and strong and timely support for Cuba in the current trying time.

Meanwhile, the FMs of Vietnam and Thailand emphasised that their countries will augment vaccine cooperation and share experience in recovering socio-economic development in the “new normal”.

The two sides also agreed to hold a meeting of the joint committee for bilateral cooperation via teleconference early so as to foster relations.

Meeting with Indian FM Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Vietnamese official spoke highly of India’s provision of medical equipment and COVID-19 drugs for Vietnam, asking the two countries to work closely together to mark the 50th founding anniversary of bilateral ties. He also called on India to facilitate Vietnamese goods’ access to its market.

The Indian FM affirmed continued cooperation with and assistance for Vietnam in terms of COVID-19 vaccine, drugs, and medical supplies. He also expressed his hope for stronger trade, investment, and energy partnerships.

Speaking to FM Son, Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto noted his country has basically completed procedures for handing over 400,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Vietnam. It will continue to prioritise selling COVID-19 vaccine to Vietnam if the latter has demand.

He also voiced his hope for cooperation in trade, healthcare, and education - training to be promoted.

At the meeting with Algerian FM Ramtane Lamamra, Son underlined the traditional friendship between the two nations, asking both to increase all-level mutual visits, organise a teleconference of the inter-governmental committee soon, and boost ties in the trade, investment, and oil and gas sectors.

The official called on Algeria to support Vietnam to strengthen cooperation with the African Union.

FM Son also met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian, recommending the two countries maintain contact, hold a meeting of their joint committee soon to bolster bilateral ties, and coordinate with each other to promote trade, investment, and tourism. He asked Iran to import more agricultural products from Vietnam, and continue completing the legal framework for bilateral cooperation./.