At the reception for Mr Jessen who presented his credentials, President Sang said economic ties between Vietnam and the EU are developing well, as demonstrated by impressive FDI figures and increasing two-way turnover.

Mr Sang praised the EU and Vietnam for negotiating and signing the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement (PCA) which, he said, will the pave the way for stepping up future cooperation between the two sides.

He also thanked EU nations for their assistance and support for Vietnam over the past years, while affirming that Vietnam always aims to deepen its relations with the EU.

Ambassador Jessen said he is happy to represent the 27 EU members and assume his new position in Vietnam, adding that promoting EU-Vietnam economic cooperation will be one of the key tasks during his term. He also called on both sides to continue boosting trade tries to fully tap their economic potential.

At the meeting with the Angolan ambassador, President Sang congratulated him on his new mission in Vietnam and thanked the Angolan Government for opening its embassy in Hanoi.

Mr Sang said he will create the best possible conditions for the Angolan diplomat to fulfill his tasks and devise orientations for Vietnam and Angola to develop cooperative programmes in a number of fields.

Ambassador Bernado praised Vietnam’s efforts to stabilize its macro-economy and hoped that the country will support Angola in many areas, especially education and social welfare.

Angola is carrying out a project to build one million houses and would like Vietnam to be involved in this project, he noted.

Ambassador Bernado also said the Angolan Vice President is scheduled to visit Vietnam in the first quarter of next year, hoping the visit will further strengthen relations between the two countries.