"Vietnam is deeply aware that the road to growth and prosperity of a country depends mostly on its own strength. However, the road will be shorter and more favourable if it is accompanied by good friends," Deputy PM Khoan told the participants.

He affirmed that Vietnam will persist in its guidelines for independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development coupled with a foreign policy of openness, multilateralisation and diversification.

The Deputy PM also reiterated the country's determination to fully implement its cooperation and integration commitments and expressed hopes of receiving more assistance from international friends during its course.

"Vietnam wants to bolster cooperation broadly and widely for peace, development and prosperity in 2007," Deputy PM Khiem noted.

On behalf of the guest, Argentine Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Ferrari made a speech, hailing Vietnam's successes in affirming itself in the international arena and setting itself on the direction to achieve stable and sustainable development.

He said that the international community has strongly committed to supporting Vietnam in its on-going renovation process and in widening its relationships with other countries for the sake of cooperation, peace and mutual benefit.

VOVNews/VNA