A Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter interviewed the Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama about this visit.

Reporter: This is the first visit to Vietnam by a top Palestinian leader since 2001 and marks a new development in Vietnam-Palestine relations. Could you tell us about the significance of this visit?

The Ambassador:  This is Mr Abbas’ first visit to Vietnam in his capacity as Palestinian State President. The visit is of great significance and indicates a positive development in bilateral relations between Vietnam and Palestine.

Both countries have maintained a fine relationship throughout their respective struggles for national independence.

Palestine and Vietnam have shared historic similarities and have united and supported each other in pursuit of legitimate goals. Vietnam always supports the Palestinian people’s struggle for their legitimate rights, including the right to self-determination and the right to establish a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.

Vietnam has actively involved in the process of seeking a durable and peaceful solution in the Middle East. As ASEAN Chair and with a rising status, Vietnam is winning high acclaim from many powerful countries.

Reporter: For many reasons, economic and trade relations between Vietnam and Palestine have yet to achieve a satisfactory outcome. What will be the main focus of discussion to promote bilateral cooperation in this field during the visit?

The Ambassador:  Vietnamese goods are currently present on the Palestinian market but not as much as those from other countries. Palestine's import turnover reached US$4 billion in 2009. For many different reasons, Palestine-Vietnam trade relations have not yet developed as expected. Most Vietnamese goods entering the Palestinian market and vice versa must go through a third country. Therefore, the two sides need to boost direct export-import activities through seminars or exhibitions to introduce and promote the exchange of goods.

The Palestinian people always respect and have a great affection for the Palestinian people. This is an important factor in making economic and trade relations more effective in the interests of both parties.

I hope that following Abbas’ visit to Vietnam, two-way trade will increase significantly.

Reporter: The Vietnamese people are very interested in Palestine's culture and history. Could you please tell us about plans for  bilateral cooperation in culture and social affairs in the future?

The Ambassador: Like the Vietnamese nation, Palestine has had a historic struggle for national independence and sovereignty with a diverse culture. Both countries may have religious differences but they share similarities in customs and in cultural traditions. We should take advantage of these similarities so that both nations can get a better mutual understanding of each other.

Palestine is expected to send some students to Vietnam to study the country's culture and history. As long as the political condition allow, Palestine will be more than willing to invite Vietnamese students to study at Palestinian universities.

In my term of office in Vietnam and on the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, I hope that our cultural programmes in your country will be a great success.

In addition, I am planning to translate some Palestinian literature from Arabian into Vietnamese and work with other Arab nations that have their diplomatic agencies in the country to set up an Arab cultural centre in the country.

Reporter: Thank you very much.