Skopje, 5 December 2025 (MIA) - From a poor and underdeveloped country isolated by sanctions, Vietnam has emerged as one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia. For many years, Vietnam has maintained rapid and steady growth of around six percent, and it is now on the path to becoming the world’s 20th largest economy, says new Ambassador to North Macedonia, based in Sofia, Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet.

"Our country now maintains trade relations with over 220 partners and has signed 17 free trade agreements with key partners, including the European Union. On the international stage, Vietnam consistently pursues an independent, self-reliant, diversified, and multilateral foreign policy, proactively integrating into regional and international affairs for peace, cooperation, and development. Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries and is an active member of more than 70 regional and international organisations," Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet told a reception late on Thursday, held in light of her recent appointment.

In the context of bilateral relations, she said Vietnam highly values the development of the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with North Macedonia.

"I am particularly pleased to witness the healthy development of political cooperation and mutual support between our two countries in international forums. During my tenure as Ambassador, I am fully committed to promoting bilateral relations further, encouraging more visits, strengthening political ties, and fostering practical cooperation in key areas such as economy, trade, education and cultural exchange," said the Ambassador.

In the economic sphere, there is growing interest for products from Vietnam in North Macedonia, which presents opportunities for trade, investment, and technology exchange.

"What you see here today represents just a small part of the wide range of products that Vietnam exports to the world—from agricultural goods like rice, coffee, and cashew nuts, to industrial products such as electric cars, smartphones, and computers. We are ready to serve as a bridge to help North Macedonia strengthen its relations with ASEAN. In return, we hope North Macedonia will continue facilitating Vietnamese products entering the Balkan market. We also note the increasing presence of Vietnamese workers who are contributing to local development and strengthening the human connection between our two nations," said Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet.

According to her, culture and people-to-people exchanges remain equally vital.

"We all believe that cultural exchange strengthens the understanding and friendship between nations. Vietnamese culture, with its rich heritage in literature, music, cuisine, and performing arts, offers unique insights to Macedonian audiences. Likewise, North Macedonia’s vibrant cultural traditions provide invaluable opportunities for Vietnamese people to engage with and learn from," said the Ambassador of Vietnam.

Looking forward, she added, I am confident that Vietnam and North Macedonia will continue to strengthen our collaboration, exploring new opportunities for cooperation in trade, technology, education, culture, and tourism.

Yesterday, President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova received the credentials of Vietnam Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, expressing readiness for closer cooperation in the spirit of good Macedonian-Vietnamese relations, mutual understanding and mutual respect.

Siljanovska Davkova and Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet identified significant opportunities and untapped potential for promoting cooperation on the political and economic front, in education, science, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, culture, as well as in international organizations and institutions, the President's Office said in a press release.

Photo: Embassy of Vietnam, President's Office