At a reception for the Sudanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Karti, in Hanoi on October 7, Ms Doan expressed elation at the fruitful development of the two countries’ relationship in recent times.

She said that despite the geological distance, both Vietnam and Sudan have many things in common. Their people cherish peace and want to build prosperous and beautiful nations.

Ms Doan thanked the Sudanese people for their assistance to Vietnam’s struggle for national independence in the past and the cause of national construction at present.

The Sudanese minister praised Vietnam’s Renewal achievements over the past 23 years as well as its increasing role in the region and the world. He expressed Sudan’s desire to promote all-round cooperation with Vietnam.

Dr Ali Karti, who began an official visit to Vietnam on October 5, held talks with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Doan Xuan Hung and met with leaders of several ministries and agencies that have established cooperative ties with Sudan.

They discussed measures to step up bilateral cooperation in many areas, including agriculture, trade and oil and gas. They agreed that both countries should make a greater effort to strengthen economic-trade ties.

The Sudanese minister also attended a Vietnam-Sudan business forum and visited several economic and cultural establishments in Hanoi.