The PM made the remarks while receiving newly-appointed ambassadors Albrerto Jaime Kaminker of Argentina and Stale Torstein Risa of Norway, on September 29.

Speaking at the meetings, PM Dung expressed pleasure at closer relations with the two countries, which, he said, bring benefits to all sides.

He welcomed the upcoming visit to Vietnam by the President of Argentina and its Foreign Minister to boost bilateral trade, which reached close to US$ 400 million in the first 7 months of 2009.

Ambassador Kaminker said Argentina is working with concerned agencies in Vietnam to prepare for the visit and the implementation of several bilateral cooperation projects, including a US$130 million wind-power plant, which is part of a large-scale project at an estimated cost of US$1.7 billion.

Argentinean agencies will also join in cultural activities to celebrate major festivals of the two countries in 2010, especially the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, he added.

PM Dung emphasised that the opening of the Vietnamese embassy in Norway concretely demonstrates his country’s wish to accelerate its cooperation with Norway. The PM also extended an invitation to Norway’s Prime Minister to visit Vietnam.

Ambassador Risa said Norway is willing to assist Vietnam in job training and technology transfer in the ship-building industry.

In wrapping up the meeting, PM Dung thanked the people and governments of Argentina and Norway for their support to Vietnam during its war for independence and in its current process of national reconstruction and, in particular, for Norway ’s development aid for the country.