Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem paid an official visit to Greece from June 21-22 at the invitation of Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

During the visit, Deputy PM Khiem held talks with his counterpart Dora Bakoyannis and was received by Greek President Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis.

The two sides informed each other about situations of their countries and discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Deputy PM Khiem spoke highly of Greece ’s socio-economic achievements after 30 years joining the European Union (EU) and its increasing role in Europe and the international arena.

Minister Dora Bakoyannis congratulated Vietnam for its achievements in socio-economic development, especially poverty reduction. She also expressed her belief that Vietnam would further sustainably develop.

The Greek leaders expressed their joy as Vietnam decided to open its embassy in Greece in 2010 and affirmed to continue support Vietnam in the latter’s national development and international integration process.

The two sides shared the same view that their bilateral relations have seen breakthrough developments and agreed on future cooperation plans, particularly in economy, trade, investment, culture and tourism.

Deputy PM Khiem thanked Greece for its official development assistance to Vietnam as well as scholarships for Vietnamese students to study the Greek language, tourism administration, museum, maritime and sea law.

While in Greece , Khiem also met with Greek businesses and the Vietnamese community.