Mohamed Abdellah, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Democratic Party of Egypt (NDP) – the ruling party -  made the statement while receiving Nguyen Manh Hung, Deputy Head of the Party Commission for Foreign Affairs, in Cairo on August 6.

Abdellah said that the two countries should increase their cooperation at all levels and in every field. He proposed that Vietnam support the Middle East peace process more directly, saying it’s time for Arab countries to recognise the Israeli State provided it stops building resettlements and withdraws to the pre-1967 border.

For his part, Hung said that two-way trade which hit over US$180 million last year has yet to match the potential and that the two countries should increase the exchange of visits to promote economic and trade ties. He suggested that Egypt invest in tourism – one of its strengths – in Vietnam.

Hung voiced Vietnam’s support for Palestine’s just struggle and expressed his hope that the Middle East peace process would progress for the sake of peace and stability in the region.

He praised Egypt’s role in resolving Middle East issues, especially the national reconciliation process in Palestine and peace talks between Palestine and Israel. He said that the growing ties between Vietnam and Egypt will highlight issues of mutual concern, including the Middle East peace process.

The same day, Hung met with Mohammed al-Zorkani, the Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs.

Al-Zorkani affirmed that the two countries have great potential for strengthening their political and economic ties and that his ministry will make a greater effort to cement these ties. Egypt respects Vietnam’s role and position in Asia and Southeast Asia, said the diplomat.

Meanwhile, Hung called on Egyptian businesses to increase their investments in Vietnam, particularly in maritime transport and tourism.