Promoting Vietnam-Chile Cooperation Across Three Key Pillars: Politics, Economy, and People-to-People Exchange

	"For Peace and Friendship among Nations" Medal Awarded to Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam Sergio Narea
	Michelle Bachelet and the Song of Vietnam-Chile Friendship

- What key milestones have shaped and advanced Vietnam-Chile relations over the past 55 years?

- Over the past 55 years, Chile and Vietnam have built a bilateral relationship grounded in deep mutual respect, stability, and a forward-looking vision. Beginning with the foundational milestone of establishing diplomatic relations on March 25, 1971 -an event of special political and historical significance, which made Chile the first country in South America to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam - the two nations have laid the groundwork for a relationship that has grown increasingly substantive and sustainable over time.

State President Luong Cuong receives Ambassador of the Republic of Chile Nasly Isabel Bernal Prado as she presents her credentials upon assuming her duties in Vietnam, December 12, 2025. (Photo: Embassy of Chile in Vietnam)

In addition, the strengthening of high-level political dialogue has contributed to enhanced mutual trust between the two countries. In this context, the official visit to Chile by Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong in November 2024 marked a particularly significant milestone, reaffirming the shared determination to further deepen bilateral relations and inject new momentum into the Comprehensive Partnership framework between the two countries.

In the economic and trade sphere, the Free Trade Agreement between Chile and Vietnam, which came into effect on January 1, 2014, has created an important turning point, bringing stability, predictability, and new momentum to bilateral economic exchanges. Moreover, both countries’ participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has further expanded opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

At the same time, cooperation between the peoples of the two countries has continued to be promoted. Chile-Vietnam relations extend beyond politics and trade, and are further enriched through cultural, academic, and people-to-people exchanges, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and appreciation of each country’s identity, history, and development path.

- During your tenure in Vietnam, which areas of cooperation will you prioritize promoting between the two countries?

- During my tenure in Vietnam, one of my key priorities is to further consolidate the bilateral relationship, which already rests on a solid foundation but still holds considerable growth potential. Accordingly, I place particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation across three main pillars: political-diplomatic relations, economic-trade ties, and enhanced mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries.

With regard to the third pillar, we believe it is essential to foster closer connections between Chilean and Vietnamese societies through initiatives in areas such as culture, education, academia, tourism, gastronomy, and the mutual promotion of traditions. At the same time, we see significant potential to expand cooperation in strategic sectors where Chile has strengths and Vietnam demonstrates dynamic development, including high-tech agriculture, innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and cooperation within the Asia-Pacific framework.

Our goal is to promote concrete linkages that deliver shared benefits and ensure long-term sustainability. Overall, we aspire for Vietnam-Chile relations not only to develop institutionally but also to become increasingly people-centered, as a truly strong bilateral relationship requires not only effective cooperation mechanisms and political consensus, but also genuine bonds between the peoples of the two nations.

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations Phan Anh Son receives Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam Nasly Isabel Bernal Prado on her courtesy visit upon assuming her duties in Vietnam, February 10, 2026. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

- On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Chile, what notable activities are the two countries expected to undertake in 2026?

- The year 2026 marks a particularly meaningful milestone for Chile and Vietnam as the two countries celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. It is an opportunity to reflect on the journey thus far, while also serving as a chance to shape the bilateral relationship with a more long-term and optimistic vision.

In this context, there has been official information regarding the coordination of commemorative activities among the Embassy of Chile in Vietnam, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, and relevant agencies, with the opening event expected to be a celebration ceremony on March 25, 2026.

We expect that this anniversary will provide a platform to implement a diverse program of activities, including political-diplomatic, cultural, academic, and economic promotion initiatives. Such a milestone should fully reflect the comprehensive nature of bilateral relations - a combination of history, friendship, cooperation, and shared interests.

From the Embassy’s perspective, we particularly hope that these activities will help bring the peoples of the two countries closer together, highlight the achievements attained, and honor the value of bilateral exchanges. Beyond symbolic significance, we expect the 55th anniversary to open up new opportunities for cooperation in the future.

- What are your expectations for the prospects of Vietnam-Chile relations?

- Chile and Vietnam have built a relationship that is serious, friendly, and trustworthy, and are now in a very favorable position to elevate it to a more substantive phase of development. The two countries share many similarities in their approaches, particularly in valuing multilateralism, openness to international trade, international cooperation, and stronger engagement with the Asia-Pacific region.

Looking ahead, I believe there are many positive prospects for further promoting high-level political exchanges in 2026, as well as for making more effective use of existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including political consultations and economic-trade cooperation frameworks.

In addition, there remains significant potential for cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, logistics, agriculture and food, technical cooperation, and cultural exchange. Chile can continue to be a reliable partner of Vietnam in Latin America, while Vietnam is an important strategic partner of Chile in Southeast Asia.

I view the future of Chile-Vietnam relations with optimism, but also on a realistic basis: the most sustainable achievements are always built on continuous effort, strategic vision, and political will. Fortunately, these elements are all present in the relationship between the two countries.

- Thank you very much!

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Promoting People-to-People Cooperation on the Occasion of the 55th Anniversary of Vietnam-Chile Relations On February 10 in Hanoi, President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received Ambassador of Chile to Vietnam Nasly ...