The president recalled her visits to Vietnam in 1977 and 2006 and said she admires the Vietnamese people for their courage and steadfastness during the past struggle for national liberation as well as their industriousness and creativity during the current process of national construction and development.

She expressed her pleasure at the positive development of the friendly relationship between the two countries in all areas, especially breakthroughs made in bilateral negotiations of a free trade agreement (FTA), and hoped that both countries would reach the deal at an earliest possible time.

She also showed her interest in Vietnam’s measures to cushion the far-reaching impact of the current global economic crunch.  

The president said she is looking forward to receiving State President Nguyen Minh Triet and other Vietnamese leaders in Chile in the coming time.

For her part, Vice President Doan thanked president Bachelet, the Chilean government and people for their solidarity and whole-hearted support for Vietnam in the recent past. She briefed her host on Vietnam’s situation and affirmed the country’s determination to promote the friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Chile.