Vietnamese President hosts Ambassadors of UAE, Sri Lanka, Chile

Receiving UAE Ambassador Bader Almatrooshi, Thuong extended his best wishes to the diplomat during the holy month of Ramadan - the month of fasting for Muslims. He expressed his hope that the diplomat will serve as a bridge propelling the two countries’ relations forwards.

Bader Almatrooshi suggested both nations boost cooperation in socio-culture and education.

The UAE is currently Vietnam’s leading trade partner in the Middle East, with annual two-way trade of US$8 billion, he said, adding that his country desires to expand collaboration with Vietnam across a variety of fields.

He suggested the two countries intensify high-level contacts to tighten political ties, especially on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The Vietnamese State leader underlined the need for proper measures to soon bring two-way trade to US$10 billion, while showing his hope that the UAE will promote investment in Vietnam, particularly in education, culture and tourism.

Welcoming Sri Lankan Ambassador Sajeewa Umanga Mendis, Thuong affirmed that Vietnam always places importance on developing its traditional friendship and multifaceted collaboration with Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan diplomat, in turn, hailed Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements, and expressed his hope that the two sides will maintain cooperation and experience sharing, and boost people-to-people exchanges.

Thuong stressed the importance of strengthening high-level contacts and people-to-people diplomacy to intensify friendship and mutual understanding; and accelerating the implementation of existing cooperation mechanisms.

They consented to ram up  bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, and share experience in poverty reduction, human development, education, health and culture.

At a reception for Chilean Ambassador Sergio Narea Guzman, the Vietnamese State leader showed his elation at the development of the Vietnam-Chile relations through the regular exchange of delegations and people-to-people diplomacy.

The two sides also need to promote existing cooperation mechanisms, offer mutual support at multilateral forums, and share views and visions on international and regional issues.

With a two-way trade of over US$2 billion, there remains plenty of room for bilateral cooperation, Thuong went on to say.

The Chilean ambassador, in turn, expressed his hope that the two countries will expand cooperation in a multitude of areas, especially politics, economics and people-to-people exchanges.