SANTO DOMINGO. – The President of the Senate of the Republic, Ricardo de los Santos, together with a delegation of senators, received a visit from a Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly of Vietnam, to whom he delivered a resolution approved by the plenary that formalizes the formation of the parliamentary friendship group between both legislative headquarters.
De los Santos highlighted the cordial ties that have united Vietnam and the Dominican Republic, and the intention of both nations to continue strengthening bilateral ties in all areas.
“Vietnam and the Dominican Republic have worked together, supporting initiatives in international organizations and sharing positions on issues of common interest. We hope to continue strengthening our diplomatic relations and continue collaborating for mutual benefit,” said the president of the Dominican Senate.
De los Santos also said that “establishing a parliamentary friendship group is important, as it allows us to share experiences on global, regional and also national issues, through the exchange of delegations; as well as support in multilateral and international forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union.”
The representative for the province Sánchez Ramírez said that it is essential to continue promoting dialogue and cooperation between Vietnam and the Dominican Republic, to strengthen bilateral ties, promote peace, stability, as well as development in the region and globally.
“Cooperation between Vietnam and the Dominican Republic should be closer every day and become strategic allies in trade and investment, covering various aspects such as trade, investment, culture and education,” he said.
The president of the Senate’s Foreign Relations and International Cooperation Committee, Santiago José Zorrilla, welcomed the delegation and said that “on behalf of the Senate and the committee that I am honored to chair, it is a privilege to receive you in the house of democracy with the resolution that we approved. Our commitment is to maintain fluid communication with you to strengthen these diplomatic ties as we have done so far between two sister nations,” he said.
Head of the Vietnamese delegation, Vu Hai Ha, thanked the assembly members for being welcomed by Senate President Ricardo de los Santos and other legislators, and noted that throughout the years of diplomatic relations, the country has provided support to Vietnam in different situations.
“The National Assembly of Vietnam pays great attention to strengthening relations between the two countries. We are the first delegation to visit the Dominican Republic and we hope that relations between the Dominican Senate and the National Assembly of Vietnam can be further strengthened. We appreciate this welcome and hope that you, Mr. Ricardo de los Santos, and a delegation can visit Vietnam soon,” said the Asian legislator.
At the end of the meeting, the Senate President and the head of the Vietnamese delegation, Vu Hai Ha, exchanged gifts and pins with the flags of both nations.
The Vietnamese assembly members also received a guided tour of the facilities of the Upper House, led by the Citizen Participation and Politics Division, under the direction of Representation, where they visited the Juan Pablo Duarte Library, the Gallery of Former Presidents and the Hemicycle Hall.
Along with the President of the Senate, Ricardo de los Santos and Santiago José Zorrilla, the senators Faride Raful, vice president; Melania Salvador, secretary of the executive office; Cristóbal Castillo, and Franklin Rodríguez also participated.
The Vietnamese delegation included Vu Hai Ha, Nguyen Van Loi, Ngo Hoang Ngan, Nguyen Hai Anh, Hoang Duc Than, Nguyen Thi Quyen Thanh, Pham Hoang Hai, Pham Thi Gnoc, members of the Foreign Relations Commission of the National Assembly of Vietnam.
The Vietnamese legislators’ commission was assisted by a commission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX), headed by Rosa Roa, ambassador of the Department of Parliamentary Diplomacy; Victor Gabriel Macaro, director of Cooperation; as well as Angel Jaquez, Mariorquis Sebastian, Roberto Rodriguez and Liz Mendez.
