This is the first ever visit to Saudi Arabia by a Vietnamese head of State since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1999.

Riyad Online quotes Vietnamese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dao Thanh Chung as saying leaders of the two countries will look at measures to increase bilateral cooperation, especially in energy, agriculture, trade, investment and labour.

Vietnam is ready to cooperate with Saudi Arabia in carrying out a food security programme through State agencies and private businesses, said Mr Chung, adding that it is encouraging Saudi Arabian businesses to investment in its territory.

He said a number of Saudi Arabian companies are operating efficiently in Vietnam, citing Zamil steel group as an example.