Prime Minister Manele received courtesy call from Ambassador of Vietnam

Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, this morning received a courtesy call from His Excellency Pham Hung Tam, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Solomon Islands.

Ambassador Pham, who is based in Canberra, Australia, has a distinguished career in Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including previous postings in Tanzania and other diplomatic roles.

Prime Minister Manele and His Excellency Pham Hung Tam delved into opportunities for Cooperation. While trade between Vietnam and Solomon Islands remains limited, both nations are exploring new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy, and tourism.

Vietnam’s status as a leading tourist destination offers potential for joint marketing efforts to increase tourism to Solomon Islands, which could benefit from Vietnam’s expertise in cultural, sea, and ecological tourism.

Additionally, Solomon Islands and Vietnam are interested in strengthening people-to-people exchanges, focusing on youth, culture, and education to foster mutual understanding.

Prime Minister Manele welcome Ambassador Pham’s appointment and assured him of the full support of the Solomon Islands Government during his tenure and emphasize the importance of continued engagement in areas of shared interest.

PM Manele adds, Solomon Islands is currently exploring the possibility of appointing an honorary consul in Vietnam.

Ambassador Pham Hung Tam’s visit is seen as a significant milestone in the Solomon Islands- Vietnam relations, opening doors for future collaboration in key sectors that benefit both nations.

Vietnam and Solomon Islands first established diplomatic relations in 1996, based on mutual respect and cooperation on various international issues. Over the past Two decades, engagement between the two nations has been limited. The visit by Ambassador Pham Hung Tam signals an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new avenues of cooperation.

Vietnam, located on the eastern edge of the Indochinese Peninsula, is known for its dynamic economy and rich culture. It is a major player in Asia’s manufacturing, retail, and agriculture sectors. Its service and industrial sectors dominate the economy, while tourism also plays a crucial role. With over 3,000 kilometers of coastline and diverse ecosystems, Vietnam attracts millions of tourists each year.

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-OPMC Press Release