Iraqi Ambassador Al-Ani thanked Vietnamese agencies for helping him during his term of office, while praising Vietnam’s achievements in the process of national construction and defence.

Both countries have great potential for boosting bilateral cooperation to raise two-way trade turnover to higher than US$1 billion. Iraq supports Vietnam reopening its embassy in Baghdad, which will serve as a bridge for the promotion of relations between the two countries.

President Sang spoke highly of the Iraqi diplomat’s significant contributions to strengthening the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, affirming that Vietnam always follows with keen interest what Iraqi people have achieved in ensuring political stability, rebuilding the nation and boosting economic development.

Mr Sang expressed his pleasure at the positive development in bilateral cooperation, especially the success of the 18^th session of the Vietnam-Iraq Joint Committee held in May last year.

President Sang said the two nations should coordinate closely in finding solutions to raise bilateral trade, hoping that Iraq, Vietnam’s major trade partner in the Middle East, will create the best possible conditions for Vietnamese businesses to operate efficiently there.

He also asked the Iraqi Government and Foreign Ministry to help Vietnam resume its embassy’s activities in Baghdad soon.

Through the Iraqi ambassador, Mr Sang invited the Iraqi President to visit Vietnam.