Many heads of state will pay their official visits to Vietnam during the 14th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Among them will be Chinese Communist Party leader and President Hu Jintao, Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President George W. Bush, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.
President Hu Jintao’s visit to Vietnam aims to continue maintaining the exchange of high-level meetings between Vietnam and China, affirming the importance of developing the relations of friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and devising orientations to expand the relations in all fields, especially in economic and trade areas. Vietnam-China trade turnover has grown rapidly, and will reach the set target of US$10 billion by 2010.
The 400-strong Russian delegation led by President Putin will arrive in Hanoi on seven aircraft. This is the second time President Putin will be in Vietnam. Leaders of the two countries will discuss major issues relating to energy, tourism, education, science and technology at bilateral meetings.
President Bush’s visit to Vietnam will be the second one of the top US leadership, after President Bill Clinton’s visit in November 2000. The US delegation led by President Bush will be the largest composed of more than 1,000 members. One of the public concerns is whether the US Congress will approve the Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status for Vietnam soon before President Bush’s visit to Hanoi.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Vietnam will be his first one to the country after he took office to give fresh impetus to strategic relationship between the two countries. Especially, the Japan Federation of Economic Organisations (KEDANREN) will send representatives of leading groups to accompany the Prime Minister for the first time. A delegation led by Canon President Mitarai Fujio will represent 20 Japanese enterprises operating in Vietnam.
President Michelle Bachelet will be the second Chilean President to visit Vietnam. Chile always wants to strengthen multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam, especially in economics, trade and investment to match the fine political relations between the two countries. Ms Bachelet has maintained good impressions of Vietnam. During her coming visit, she hopes she will have a chance to meet General Vo Nguyen Giap whom she has greatly admired.
