Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the 35th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, from November 2-4.

The trip is made at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

Following the closing of the summit, Thailand will hand over the ASEAN Chairmanship to Vietnam.

Founded in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups 10 member countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./.

Vietnam, Belarus enhance cooperation in military science

Lieut. Gen. Phung Si Tan (right), deputy chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, and Colonel Buzin Nikolai Evgenievich, deputy head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus. (Source: qdnd.vn)

Lieut. Gen. Phung Si Tan, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, on October 29 received Colonel Buzin Nikolai Evgenievich, deputy head of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus.

The Belarusian officer’s visit takes place in the context that defence cooperation between the two countries is being stepped up, especially after the visit to Vietnam by Belarusian Defence Minister Ravkov Andrei Alekseevich in November 2018.

Host and guest shared the view that military science is an important area of cooperation between the two countries.

Tan described Evgenievich’s visit as a demonstration of goodwill and showed the two countries’ determination to realise cooperation commitments in this sphere.

Evgenievich informed his host of the outcomes of his working session with the Department of Military Science under the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence, during which they set forth measures to implement cooperation agreements.

Tan suggested the two sides instruct relevant agencies to share information and experience in scientific research and conduct expert exchanges./.

35th ASEAN Summit: discussions to focus on regional rail development

Proposals to improve ASEAN’s rail network and connectivity to meet international standards will be discussed at the 35th ASEAN Summit scheduled for early November.

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Acting Governor Worawut Mala said topics up for discussion include ASEAN's rail connection development, ways to advertise the national rail system, and railway upgrades.

An online "ASEAN Railways Portal" was also launched at the ASEAN Railway CEOs’ Conference in Thailand on October 28 to provide the public with news and information about rail links in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Speaking at the conference, Worawut said Thailand has five different projects that it plans to use to connect its rail network with neighbouring countries, including Singapore (in the south), Laos and China (in the northeast), Cambodia (in the east) and Myanmar (in the west).

In addition to these projects, Thailand and Malaysia are also discussing a plan to revive the Sugnai Kolok-Pasir Mas rail route for the sake of economic development and border trade, he said.

The Bangkok Post cited a source as saying that the SRT has a five-year plan to expand Thailand's rail network from its current length of 800km to 4,565km.

The source said 841km of track will be an extension of the normal rail system, while 2,476km are set aside for a dual-track system and 1,248km are planned for a high-speed railway.

The 35th ASEAN Summit and related meetings will take place in Bangkok and its neighbouring province of Nonthaburi from November 2-4./.

Vietnam, Cambodia enhance defence ties

A high-ranking military delegation from Vietnam led by Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and Deputy Minister of National Defence, left Hanoi for an official visit to Cambodia on October 30.

The visit, made at the invitation of General Vong Pisen, commander-in-chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), aims to review cooperation between the VPA General Staff and the RCAF High Command over the past time as well as discuss measures to boost their collaboration in the time to come.

Earlier on October 29, in Hanoi, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Le Chiem, Deputy Minister of National Defence, received General Hun Manet, deputy commander-in-chief of the RCAF and commander of the Royal Cambodian Army.

General Hun Manet spoke highly of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence’s support and assistance for the Cambodian Defence Ministry in general and the RCAF in particular.

He appreciated the effective coordination between the two nations’ border guard forces, saying it contributed to building a Vietnam-Cambodia border line of peace, friendship, cooperation and development.

For his part, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Chiem affirmed that the Vietnamese defence ministry always supports and creates all the best conditions for its units to continue cooperation with the RCAF.

He hoped that during this visit, the two sides will set out coordination measures to effectively prevent sabotage schemes that threaten national security, social order and safety in border areas as well as the fine traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The same day, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Chiem hosted a reception for General Sao Sokha, deputy commander-in-chief of the RCAF and commander of the National Military Police./.

National Assembly begins important discussion on socio-economic issues

The National Assembly began the important discussion on socio-economic and State budget performance in 2019 and plans for 2020 on October 30.

The discussion is being broadcast live on national television and radio and the NA’s TV channel.

In presenting the Government’s report to the NA at the opening sitting of the NA’s 8th session, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said all the socio-economic development targets for 2019 are expected to be fulfilled, with five targets to be surpassed. Economic growth is expected to be higher than the set goal while macro-economic stability is maintained, inflation is under control and all major balances of the economy are strengthened and expanded.

The Government leader noted that the GDP growth for 2019 is estimated at 6.8 percent, one of the highest rates in the region and the world, which reflected the great endeavours of all-level administrations, sectors and entire country.

The Government outlined the overall targets for 2020, looking to continue maintaining macro-economic stability, keeping inflation under control, enhancing the economy’s productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness. The Government will push ahead with reforms, perfecting institutions to facilitate the optimization of all resources and create an open and favourable environment for investment and business. Economic restructuring will be bolstered in combination with renewing the growth model, the pace of national key projects will be accelerated, and the role of key economic zones and major urban centres will be promoted.

The Government will strengthen national defence and security, improve the effectiveness of external relations and international integration, while striving to well perform the role of ASEAN Chair in 2020 and a non-permanent member in the UN Security Council during 2020-2021. It will firmly protect national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity while maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development, and enhancing the country’s prestige and position in the international arena.

During the discussion at the NA, Government members will be called up to explain issues raised by NA deputies.

The discussion will last through the morning of November 1./.

PM, ministers to take part in three-day Q&A session

 
The National Assembly will focus on four groups of issues during the question-and-answer sessions as part of its ongoing eighth session.

Secretary General and Chairman of the National Assembly Office Nguyễn Hạnh Phúc has announced a list of ministers who will be taking part in a highly anticipated Q&A session next month.

Following a vote, the four topics up for discussion are home affairs, agriculture and rural development, industry and trade, and information and communications.

Minister of Home Affairs Lê Vĩnh Tân will face questions over the Government’s efforts to streamline its workforce, and the recruitment and training of civil servants. Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình, Education Minister Phùng Xuân Nhạ and Justice Minister Lê Thành Long will also join in.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyễn Xuân Cường – accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng and the health and labour ministers – is to answer queries over the effectiveness of the national programme to build new-style rural areas; the application of science and technology in agriculture; prevention and control of diseases in livestock and support policies for affected households; and measures to address ongoing issues plaguing the country’s fisheries sector.

Problems concerning the implementation of renewable energy planning, trade promotion, e-commerce and digital economy, and measures to combat trade fraud and ensure healthy competition will be directed at Minister of Industry and Trade Trần Tuấn Anh and Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng.

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng, together with Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam and the culture, science and technology and public security ministers, will field questions over the management of press agencies and press cards, the management of online information websites and social media, online advertising activities, and e-Government efforts.

The topic of corruption received only 70 per cent of the votes from NA deputies, lower than the four above- mentioned topics, so it will not be on the table.

If it had been picked, it would have marked the first time the Government Chief Inspector Lê Minh Khái would have been grilled by parliament.

The Q&A sessions, taking place from November 6-8, will be broadcast live.

After the Q&A sessions, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc is expected to make an appearance and field questions on all topics from NA deputies.

Vietnam lauds efforts in realising Women, Peace and Security Agenda

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese Permanent Mission to the UN

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese Permanent Mission to the UN, has lauded the efforts made by countries, the UN and regional and international organisations inrealising the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

Addressing a UN Security Council debate on Women, Peace and Security in New York on October 29, the ambassador held that the political will of UN member countries to meet specific commitments and actions is crucial to successfully realising the agenda.

He also highlighted the significance of support from the UN and international organisations in the field through the sharing of information and experience in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The diplomat underlined the engagement of women in all stages of peace processes, especially in post-dispute recovery.

He also shared Vietnam’s experience in strengthening women’s involvement in national reconstruction and development after the country resumed independence and unification.

Addressing the discussion, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres highlighted the leadership role of women in peace processes, especially in Yemen, Guinea-Bisau and Syria.

However, he pointed to challenges facing women in armed conflicts as well as the low ratio of female leaders in peacekeeping activities, citing only 4.2 percent of members of UN peacekeeping missions are women.

In 2018, although the ratio of women participating in parliaments increased to 24.3 percent on average, the ratio in countries suffering conflicts or post-conflict impacts is only 19 percent.

The UN chief also called on all countries to focus on realising their commitments to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

At the open discussion, members of the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2492, which calls on countries and the international community to make commitments for implementing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda as well as priorities to ensure and promote the full, equal and meaningful engagement of women in peace processes./.

Vietnamese, Cambodian border youths to meet in November

At the press conference

A total of 200 young journalists, youths and students from Vietnamese and Cambodian border provinces will gather at an exchange programme in Ho Chi Minh City and the southwestern border province of Tay Ninh from November 5-8.

The event marks the 52nd founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Cambodia, and aims to promote the pioneer role of young people of the two countries, helping to maintain, consolidate and enhance the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship, organisers said at a press conference on October 29.

It will feature various activities such as planting trees and inaugurating a playground for children, along with field trips to outstanding economic models and a seminar on the role of media in strengthening the friendship between Vietnamese and Cambodian youngsters.

The opening ceremony and volunteer activities will be held in Tay Ninh on November 5. Meanwhile, HCM City will host the closing ceremony on November 7./.

Party external relations chief welcomes Lao counterpart

Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan (R) and the Lao guest

Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan hosted a reception for his Lao counterpart Soonthorn Xayachak in Hanoi on October 29.

The head of the Lao Party Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations is in Vietnam to attend the ceremony marking the 70th Traditional Day of Vietnamese Volunteer Soldiers and Experts in Laos.

The Lao guest congratulated Vietnam over its achievements in the recent past and its position in the international arena, to which the Commission for External Relations of the Communist Party of Vietnam has made great contribution.

She expressed joy at the special solidarity between Laos and Vietnam in general and the two Commissions for External Relations of the two parties in particular. She affirmed that the two commissions will continue to coordinate closely and support each other at regional and international forums.

The two sides will also promote the exchange of information and experience in order to effectively implement agreements reached between leaders of the two Parties and countries, Soonthorn Xayachak said.

For his part, Quan thanked the Lao side for its support and help, and pledged to continue working closely with the Lao commission to effectively carry out agreements reached between the two Parties and two commissions, thus contributing to deepening the ties between the two countries.

The two officials took the occasion to discuss orientations for the cooperation between the two commissions in the time ahead./.

Vietnam supports Russia in enhancing role in Asia-Pacific: Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (right) and his Russian counterpart Maxim Akimov

Vietnam always treasures the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia and supports the country in enhancing its role and position in Asia-Pacific, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has said.

Receiving his Russian counterpart Maxim Akimov in Hanoi on October 29, the Deputy PM affirmed that Vietnam wishes to deepen the bilateral cooperation in a pragmatic manner.

Binh said the outcomes of the freshly-concluded 22nd session of the Vietnam-Russia Inter-governmental Committee for Economic-Commercial and Scientific-Technological Cooperation have reflected joint efforts in removing obstacles to bilateral collaboration and seeking measures to step up the partnership.

Regarding Vietnam-Russia Year 2019, the official urged organisers of both sides to coordinate with each other and use the agreed logos to increase the efficiency of the communication work.

In the sphere of commerce, he pointed out the signs of decline in bilateral trade, with revenue in the first nine months of this year standing at only 3.4 billion USD, down 1.4 percent year-on-year.

Given this, Binh suggested the two sides continue to work together to remove non-tariff barriers in a bid to optimise the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Binh stated that oil and gas is a strategic cooperative sector in the bilateral relationship, noting Vietnam is willing to create favourable conditions for Russian enterprises to expand oil and gas exploration and exploitation in Vietnam’s continental shelf in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He also called on the Russian Government to support and encourage oil and gas firms to expand their activities in Vietnam’s continental shelf.

Akimov, for his part, affirmed that Vietnam is not only an important diplomatic and trading partner but also a traditional friend of Russia.

The highest-level political dialogue between the two countries has created a good foundation for them to advance their trade ties, he said, highlighting common perceptions in international issues and mutual support in the global arena.

The guest said Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020 will help to strengthen Vietnam-Russia partnerships across spheres.

He used the occasion to congratulate Vietnam on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, stressing the event is of significance to not only Vietnam but also the world in maintaining regional and global peace and stability./.

Vietnam, Russia agree on measures to boost bilateral ties

At the session

Vietnam and Russia agreed on many measures to promote their bilateral relations during the 22nd session of the Inter-governmental Committee for Economic-Commercial and Scientific-Technological Cooperation in Hanoi on October 29.

The meeting was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung and his Russian counterpart Maxim Akimov.

The two sides vowed to implement high-level agreements reached during the official visit to Russia by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last May.

They highly valued the dynamic development of the bilateral economic, trade and investment ties over the recent past, with two-way trade reaching 4.5 billion USD in 2018, up nearly 30 percent as compared with 2017, making Vietnam the biggest trade partner of Russia in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

They shared the views that investment cooperation has been expanded as more and more Vietnamese and Russian businesses have invested in major projects in the two countries, operating in such areas as agriculture, energy and transport.

Apart from oil and gas, Russia is running 123 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects worth about 1 billion USD in other fields in Vietnam. Meanwhile, Vietnamese firms have invested in 20 projects valued at nearly 3 billion USD in Russia.

However, trade collaboration has yet to match potential of both sides, they pointed out, suggesting Vietnamese and Russian governments, ministries and agencies take drastic measures to enhance commercial cooperation.

The two Deputy PMs concurred to consider removing non-tariff barriers in trade, especially those related to agricultural products, seafood, garments-textiles and footwear.

In the oil and gas sphere, Deputy PM Dung said Vietnam always welcomes and creates favourable conditions for Russian companies to increase their presence and carry out oil and gas exploration and exploitation projects in Vietnam’s continental shelf.

On his part, Deputy PM Akimov affirmed Russia’s continued support for Russian oil and gas firms to expand cooperation with their Vietnamese partners, including partnerships in other realms like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas-fuelled electricity.

The two sides also lauded initial results of bilateral collaboration in e-Government and smart city building, and agreed to push ahead with a joint project on the construction of a research centre for science and nuclear technology in Vietnam.

They said Vietnam and Russia have good prospects to expand partnerships in such areas as high-tech, health care, finance-banking, science and education-training.

At the end of the session, the Deputy PMs witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements in the banking sector, and attended a ceremony introducing transactions using Russia’s MIR cards in Vietnam.

The next meeting of the committee will be held in Russia in 2020.

On this occasion, Deputy PM Dung and his Russian counterpart attended and delivered speeches at the 2019 Vietnam-Russia Business Dialogue jointly held by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Russian council of entrepreneurs.

These activities form part of Deputy PM Akimov’s official visit to Vietnam from October 28-30./.

Lao Party-State leader meets former Vietnamese voluntary soldiers, experts

At the reception

General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 29 for a delegation of former Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts in Laos.

The Lao leader is on a Vietnam visit to attend the ceremony to mark the 70th Traditional Day of Vietnamese Volunteer Soldiers and Experts in Laos.

At the reception, Bounnhang Vorachith praised the great contributions made by Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts to Laos’ struggle for national independence in the past and the national construction and development at present.

He affirmed that Laos will work together with Vietnam to foster the everlasting great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

However hard it may be, the two sides will coordinate closely to protect their ties like the pupil of their eyes, and will educate future generations on the special solidarity, the Lao leader said.

Head of the national liaison committee for former Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts in Laos Major Huynh Dac Huong said the two nations shared all the victories, and should continue to preserve their solidarity for sustainable development.

Host and guests shared memories on the days Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts fought side by side with Lao armed forces and people./.

Ceremony marks 70th anniversary of day of voluntary soldiers

At the event

A grand ceremony was held in Hanoi on October 29 to mark the 70th anniversary of the traditional day of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts in Laos (October 30).

Prominent at the event were former and incumbent leaders of the Party, State and Fatherland Front, veteran revolutionaries, heroes of people’s armed forces, former Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts in Laos, and young people from the two countries.

Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Vorachith was also present at the ceremony.

Addressing the event, Minister of National Defence Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich said in October 1945, the governments of Vietnam and Laos signed a mutual assistance treaty and an agreement on the organisation of the coalition army.

From 1945 to 1947, the Vietnamese Party Central Committee and government decided to develop overseas Vietnamese liberation troops in Laos.

On October 30, 1949, the standing board of the Indochinese Communist Party Central Committee decided that the Vietnamese armed forces in Laos will be organised as voluntary soldiers.

Together with the Lao army, they launched a number of campaigns and attacks against French colonialists and American imperialists, with the legendary Truong Son – Ho Chi Minh Trail becoming a symbol of Vietnam – Laos special solidarity and combatant alliance during the fight against the US.

From 1973 – 1975, part of the Vietnamese voluntary soldiers stayed in Laos to help protect liberated areas, towards the national liberation and the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in late 1975.

In his speech, Lich asked the two countries to continue fostering the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation across politics, socio-economy-culture, and national defence-security, with the defence relationship becoming one of the pillars in the Vietnam – Laos special ties.

Both nations were urged to build their people’s revolutionary, elite and modern armies as well as enhance joint work across Party and political work, and personnel training.

They need to continue working closely together to build and protect a borderline of peace, friendship, stability and prosperity; hold border exchanges to share experience and raise mutual understanding, deal with disaster consequences and fight crimes in border areas, the minister said.

He suggested jointly searching and collecting remains of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts who laid down their lives in Laos.

At the event, Lao Defence Minister Gen. Chansamon Chanyalat affirmed that the Lao Party, State and people will continue upholding special relationship with their Vietnamese counterparts.

Deputy head of the liaison unit of Vietnamese volunteers and military experts in Laos, Lt. Gen. Nguyen Quoc Thuoc pledged to uphold the tradition of Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts and serve as a bridge to lift great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Laos to a greater height, for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity in the two countries, in the region and the world.

On the occasion, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan presented the title of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces to Vietnamese voluntary soldiers and experts in recognition of their dedications to the Lao revolution during the anti-US war.

Party General Secretary and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith also presented a photo “Vietnamese voluntary soldiers bid farewell to Lao friends before returning home” to the liaison unit./.

Hồ Chí Minh lays foundation for Vietnamese cultural diplomacy

Nguyễn Quốc Cường, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs speaks at the workshop entitled Hồ Chí Minh’s legacy for Vietnamese cultural diplomacy” held in the central province of Nghệ An on Tuesday.

 
President Hồ Chi Minh was the founder of comprehensive diplomacy in Việt Nam, including cultural diplomacy, creating the momentum for the country’s external relations in the integration process, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Quốc Cường.

Addressing a workshop entitled “Hồ Chí Minh’s legacy for Vietnamese cultural diplomacy” held in the central province of Nghệ An on Tuesday, Cường said Hồ Chí Minh's thoughts on diplomacy were a combination of patriotism, national culture and diplomatic traditions, the cultural quintessence of Eastern and Western nations and global diplomatic experience.

In recent years, cultural diplomacy had been carried out across continents through a network of Vietnamese representative missions in foreign countries as a tribute to President Hồ Chí Minh, he said.

“Travelling oceans and continents, from East to West, President Hồ Chí Minh gained during his formative years a unique perspective of the importance of intercultural dialogue as the foundation for mutual understanding and as an important communication tool,” said Micheal Croft, a representative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

A global citizen long before the concept was termed, his extensive journeys abroad would have left him with a deep understanding of what motivated and attracted individuals to a cause – and where common ground was to be found between different peoples who lived on different sides of the planet, he said.

“Above all else, President Hồ Chí Minh was a humanist, and with his profound understanding of human nature came clarity on historical truth.”

Viengxay Darasane, Minister-Counsellor of the Lao embassy in Việt Nam, said when talking about President Ho Chi Minh, the Lao people always expressed their love and respect for the genius leader, who was a great teacher of the working class and Vietnamese people and devoted his life to the cause of national liberation, independence and freedom.

Đoàn Thị Tuyết Nhung, head of the World News Department under the Vietnam News Agency, said: “In the eyes of the Vietnamese and world people, President Ho Chi Minh was a symbol of national liberation and independence.”

There are over 200 works and research on the late president, and hundreds of journals have written thousands of articles about him, she said.

Participants also highlighted the immense value of President Hồ Chí Minh's legacy for Vietnamese diplomacy, and at the same time suggested ideas to promote his ideas with the aim of improving the effectiveness of Vietnamese cultural diplomatic activities.

“President Hồ Chí Minh's affection for people around the world and the love the people had for him will continue to be an inspiration for literature, music and art,” Cường said.

“It is a bridge between Việt Nam and foreign friends. It is a valuable asset for Việt Nam to promote friendship relations with countries around the world.”

“I am confident that after the seminar, there will be new, lively and interesting works about his life and career.”

The workshop was also an opportunity to connect and strengthen the relationship between researchers and activities related to President Hồ Chí Minh, he said.

Vietnam, Nigeria promote economic and investment cooperation

Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue (L) meets Adams Oshiomhole, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress. (Photo: VGP)

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue met with Adams Oshiomhole, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), the ruling party in Nigeria, on October 29, during his working visit to the African country.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy PM Hue affirmed that Vietnam wishes to strengthen diplomatic relations with Nigeria through the political party, the parliament and government channels in the coming time.

Regarding the relationship between the two ruling parties, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue suggested that the two sides promote the building of official relations in the coming time, and at the same time send greetings from Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong to Chairman Adams Oshiomhole, suggesting that the APC would soon send a delegation to visit and work in Vietnam.

Through the support of the APC, Vietnam also wishes to strengthen trade cooperation and further promote cultural and sports exchanges with Nigeria, the Deputy PM noted.

For his part, APC Chairman Adams Oshiomhole expressed his wish to establish close relationships with the Communist Party of Vietnam in order to open new cooperation opportunities in politics, economics, investment, tourism, and culture between the two nations.

The APC and the Nigerian government are also ready to promote relations and connect Vietnam with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and are looking forward to connecting with ASEAN through the support of Vietnam, he added.