They discussed measures to increase mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, especially in economics, trade and investment.

Vietnam attaches great importance to developing ties with its traditional friends, including Kazakhstan, said Mr Dung.

President Nazarbayev said that Kazakhstan wants to strengthen relations with Vietnam and that the two countries should fully tap their potential to raise bilateral trade which stands at the modest level of US$100 million recorded last year.

They agreed to speed up negotiations and early sign framework agreements on economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

PM Dung invited President Nazarbayev to visit Vietnam and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.

President Nazarbayev also invited Mr Dung to visit Kazakhstan and said he is looking forward to welcoming the Vietnamese leader.