Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, Oct. 22 (VNA) -- Viet Nam's Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien has met on separate occasions with Russian FM Igor Ivanov, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Chilian FM Maria Valenzuela, and Peruvian FM Diego Garcia Sayan in Shanghai on the sidelines of the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Ministerial Meeting and the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting.

Nien and his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov expressed their high appreciation for the recent development of Viet Nam-Russia relations with agreements reached by high-level leaders being implemented actively.

The two FMs affirmed that in the complicated situation in the world, the exchange of visits and the holding of meetings between the two countries' leaders were crucial to the consolidation and enhancement of the strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Russia. They also agreed to boost their coordination, first and foremost, to prepare for the upcoming visit to Viet Nam by President Vladimir Putin and the meeting of the Viet Nam-Russia Inter-governmental Committee.

Regarding international issues of common concern, Foreign Minister Nien and Ivanov said that both Viet Nam and Russia have the same basic stance on regional and international issues. The two countries have supported the international struggle against terrorism and held that the struggle must be conducted in the framework of international law and in conformity with the United Nations Charter.

Meanwhile, Nien and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed their satisfaction at the U.S. Senate's ratification of the Viet Nam-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and the U.S. President's signing of the BTA on Oct. 17, 2001. They described the event as an important landmark in the process of normalising of relations between the two countries.

Minister Nien said that Viet Nam's National Assembly is considering ratifying the BTA soon.

The U.S. Secretary of State expressed thanks to the Vietnamese Government and people for their message of sympathy to the America people after the Sept. 11 tragedy.

Meeting with the Chilean and Peruvian Foreign Ministers, FM Nien thanked the Governments and people of Chile and Peru for their fine sentiments and support to the Vietnamese people during their struggle for national liberation in the past and the national construction and renewal at present.

FM Nien and his Chilean and Peruvian counterparts acknowledged that the economic and commercial relations between Viet Nam, Chile, and Peru have not matched their potential and wishes. They agreed to the need for more exchange of visits by delegations at various levels to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, especially in economic, commercial, and tourist fields.

The Peruvian Foreign Minister affirmed the implementation of agreements signed with Viet Nam while the Chilean Foreign Minister announced that his country would soon open its consulate and commercial office in Viet Nam.

The two Ministers also affirmed their countries' support for Viet Nam's bid to join the World Trade Organisation.--VNA