Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the statement while receiving the Kazakhstani Deputy Foreign Minster, Nurlan Ermekbaev, who is attending the fourth meeting of the Vietnam-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Committee for Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technological Cooperation in Hanoi on Dec. 22.

PM Dung expressed his pleasure at the ties growing in every field between the two countries and thanked the Kazakhstani Government for facilitating the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group’s exploration and exploitation activities in Kazakhstan .

The Vietnamese leader affirmed that Vietnam is ready to support and create conditions for the Kazakhstani Oil and Gas Group to explore and exploit oil and gas on Vietnam’s continental shelf. He recalled that the two countries have signed numerous important cooperation agreements in various areas during his visit to Kazakhstan in September, creating a legal framework for boosting bilateral wide-ranging ties.

To promote bilateral trade and investment cooperation, the two countries need to make a great deal of effort, PM Dung said, noting the first move being the prompt implementation of an agreement on double taxation avoidance.

The Kazakhstani official highlighted Vietnam’s growing prestige and position in the world and believed in great prospects for the two countries to further increase their friendship and cooperation in the future.

He emphasised the significance of PM Dung’s recent visit to his country, saying the visit was an important motivation for the two countries to promote the bilateral relationship.

The Kazakhstani diplomat briefed PM Dung on the agenda of the three-day meeting that convened on Dec. 21. He said the meeting has achieved initial progress towards reaching agreements on orientations for bilateral development in economy, diplomacy, culture, sports and tourism.