Immediately after the ceremony, talks were held between State President Nguyen Minh Triet and his Central African Republic counterpart.

Mr Triet welcomed the first State-level visit to Vietnam by a president of the Central African Republic which, he said, will help further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries and open a new page of history in bilateral relations.

President Yangouvonda expressed his delight at his visit to Vietnam which coincides with the 119^th anniversary of the birth of late President Ho Chi Minh, a great friend of the African people.

Both leaders affirmed that Vietnam and the Central African Republic have great potential for boosting bilateral cooperation in economics, education and health care.

President Yangouvonda appreciated the achievements Vietnam has recorded in poverty reduction, health care and education while wishing to learn more from Vietnam’s experience in ensuring food security and socio-political stability.

After their talks, they witnessed the signing of a framework agreement on cooperation between the Governments of Vietnam and the Central African Republic.

The President of the Central African Republic, began a five-day official visit to Vietnam on May 18 at the invitation of State President Nguyen Minh Triet.