Vietnamese Ambassador to Nepal Ton Sinh Thanh has presented his credentials to Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav, who thanked Vietnam for emergency aid to help his country overcome consequences of a devastating earthquake last April.

The Nepalese leader praised Vietnam’s past struggle for national liberation and current development accomplishments and considered those as a source of aspiration for his country on the path of national construction and defence.

He welcomed the diplomat’s credentials presentation, which coincided with the countries’ celebration of the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, and pledged the best possible conditions for the ambassador to fulfil his missions so as to boost bilateral relations comprehensively.

Later, Thanh met with Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey and Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi, who highlighted a number of historical and cultural similarities between the two nations.

The Nepalese officials underlined the necessity to enhance bilateral friendship and cooperation through mutual visits and cooperation agreement signing, including consultations between the two Foreign Ministries and visa exemptions for those holding diplomatic and official passports.

Ton Sinh Thanh, who is also the Ambassador to India and Bhutan, thanked Nepal’s support to his country throughout history and affirmed that Vietnam always treasures its amity and affiliation with Nepal. He also committed to sparing no effort to strengthen ties between the two countries.

At a meeting with representatives of the Nepalese business circle on July 24, the diplomat said two-way trade posted a fair growth over the last three years, from 9 million USD in 2011 to 28 million USD in 2014. He stressed that the economic development in Nepal and Vietnam is opening up huge opportunities for trade, investment and tourism cooperation.

Talking to the Vietnamese community, Thanh highly valued their mutual assistance, especially when a strong earthquake rocked Nepal in April, and emphasised that they are an inseparable part of Vietnam. He hoped for their stronger solidarity, respect to local laws and contributions to the homeland.-VNA