PM Dung praised the IOM’s cooperation and assistance in recent years and expressed his hope for closer ties with the organization, an active partner of Vietnam.

3.5 million overseas Vietnamese around the world who were separated from their families by war now have legitimate hopes for a family reunion, said the PM, adding that Vietnam looks forwards to IOM’s humanitarian assistance.

Regarding labour exports, the PM said that the number of 500,000 Vietnamese workers abroad is just a small number compared to Vietnam’s potential work force. He requested the IOM to help relocate Vietnamese workers to countries which are facing a labour shortage.

Mr. Dung said Vietnam wants the IOM’s cooperation in preventing human trafficking and implementing pilot project of the One UN Initiative, as well as in helping ASEAN countries join the IOM.

Mr. Swing promised the IOM would do its best to provide Vietnam with its new migration services whenever needed, and will work with Vietnam to help any Vietnamese people affected by disasters elsewhere in the world.