His Excellency, Mr. Bui Quoc Hung, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, sat down for a diplomatic chat with DIPLOMATICINFO.COM, led by Dr. Elvis Enyioko and Mr. Collins Enejo Agenyi.
Here is the excerpt. Enjoy.
Dr. Elvis Enyioko: Your Excellency, it’s an honor to have you with us today. Can you share your thoughts on the current state of Vietnam-Nigeria relations?
Ambassador of Vietnam: Thank you, Dr. Enyioko. Vietnam and Nigeria have enjoyed a strong and growing relationship since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1976. We’ve seen significant cooperation in areas like trade, investment, education, and culture. Our bilateral trade has been increasing steadily, with Vietnam becoming one of Nigeria’s key trading partners in Asia.
Dr. Elvis Enyioko: That’s impressive. What are some key areas of cooperation that Vietnam is focusing on in Nigeria?
Ambassador of Vietnam: We’re prioritizing areas like Agriculture, where we can share our expertise in rice cultivation and irrigation systems. Infrastructure Development is another key area, where we’re exploring opportunities in transportation, energy, and construction. We’re also keen on Education and Training, offering scholarships to Nigerian students to study in Vietnam.
Dr. Elvis Enyioko: Those are crucial sectors. How does Vietnam plan to support Nigeria’s economic growth and development?
Ambassador of Vietnam: We’re committed to supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts. We’re encouraging Vietnamese businesses to invest in Nigeria, particularly in areas like manufacturing, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. We’re also sharing our experience in economic development, having transformed from a war-torn country to a thriving economy.
Dr. Elvis Enyioko: Your Excellency, what’s your vision for the future of Vietnam-Nigeria relations?
Ambassador of Vietnam: I envision a stronger, more vibrant relationship that benefits both nations. We’ll continue to deepen our cooperation in existing areas while exploring new opportunities in innovation, technology, and renewable energy. We’ll also strengthen people-to-people ties through cultural exchanges and tourism.
Dr. Elvis Enyioko: Thank you, Your Excellency, for sharing your insights with us today.
Ambassador of Vietnam: The pleasure is mine, Dr. Enyioko.
