KATHMANDU: Visiting Vice-President of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, paid a courtesy call on President Ramchandra Paudel at Sheetal Niwas on Sunday, with both sides stressing the need to deepen economic and cultural cooperation.
President Paudel highlighted opportunities to enhance bilateral ties in trade, tourism, investment, and technology transfer. “The government of Nepal is willing to expedite collaboration in these areas,” said Kiran Pokharel, the President’s press advisor.
Underscoring Nepal’s focus on socio-economic transformation, Paudel said the country is prioritizing investment in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and hydropower. He further noted that Buddhism serves as a cultural bridge between the two nations. Referring to Lumbini’s significance, Paudel expressed happiness that many Vietnamese Buddhists aspire to visit the birthplace of the Buddha at least once in their lifetime.
Vice-President Xuan, in response, called for a comprehensive framework to guide Nepal-Vietnam relations in line with their long-term development goals. She noted that Nepal aspires to become a middle-income country by 2030, while Vietnam is working toward high-income status by 2045.
Xuan also highlighted expanding cooperation in culture, sports, and tourism, adding that she was impressed with Nepal’s peace efforts and its commitments to tackling climate change.
The meeting marked a step toward closer bilateral engagement as both nations seek to leverage shared cultural ties and align their development aspirations.
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