Viet Nam, Libya foster agricultural ties
Rahouma M.R.Yahya, chairman of Libya's Office for Economic Co-operation, spoke to Viet Nam News on the occasion the 41st anniversary of his country's Great Al-Fateh Revolution This year witnesses the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Libya. What activities have the two countries launched to celebrate the event? How do you evaluate current relations between the two countries?
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Rahouma M.R.Yahya. – File Photo |
Every September 1st the Libyan people celebrate the anniversary of the Great Al Fateh Revolution. This day marks the beginning of the Libyan Jamahiriya Revolution of September 1, 1969.
The state consists of People's Congresses and People's Committees, which are known as the People's Authority. It is different from any other existing state in the world.
This year will also see another important event, the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Libya. During the past 35 years, the two countries have worked together through many activities, especially the exchanges of visits before the establishment of diplomatic relations. Another important milestone in bilateral relations was the establishment of the Viet Nam – Libya Joint Commission. The commission has met 11 times, at which agreements in various fields were signed.
I can tell that co-operation in labour between the two countries is developing very well with nearly 4,000 Vietnamese coming to Libya to work this year.
In the past five years few high-ranking visits between Libya and Viet Nam have taken place. Why is that and can we expect any visits in the time to come?
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The Sabratha Theatre in Libya is one of the most impressive Roman stone theatres in the world. — File Photo |
It is true that there have been few exchanges of high-ranking visits between the two countries in the recent past. However, that doesn't mean that relations aren't close. On the contrary, I would say that it indicates that there are no obstacles in bilateral ties between the two countries. Any distance in relations is merely to do with geographical realities.
Libya has a very developed agricultural sector and Viet Nam is an agrarian-based country. How can the two countries co-operate in this field?
There are definitely no difficulties in agricultural co-operation. Viet Nam has a lot of experience in this field, while Libya wants to learn more.
This was addressed at the latest meeting of the Joint Commission, which also discussed a project to plant 1,000 hectares of rice in Mali.
Vietnamese companies are investors in joint ventures with Libya in Africa focused on agriculture and other sectors, for instance the establishment of a cotton planting company in Benin.
The eleventh meeting of the Viet Nam-Libya Joint Commission was held in Libya at the end of last year. Can you tell our readers about the outcome of the meeting?
Libya at a glance Area: 1,755,500sq.km Population: 6 million Capital: Tripoli Language: Libyan Currency: Libyan dinar National flag: Libya uses a solid emerald green flag |
There was a positive outcome to the 11th meeting of the Joint Commission. The two countries agreed to foster co-operation in politics with more visits and co-operation within the framework of the United Nations. Co-operation in trade, investment, education and scientific research and various other fields were also agreed upon at the meeting.
I also would like to take this opportunity to send my best regards to the Vietnamese Government and State and people on the occasion of the country's National Day on September 2. I hope relations between Viet Nam and Libya remain as strong as they always have been. —VNS