Cyprus pledged to expand economic cooperation with Vietnam and accelerate the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Partnership and the Cooperation Agreement (PCA).

The country also affirmed its support for Vietnam in bringing about an early signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the EU.

Representatives of the Cyprian government made these commitments in meetings with the visiting Vietnamese delegation headed by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung on November 13-14.

During the meetings, the two sides discussed measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation in prioritised areas, such as the economy, trade, investment, tourism and labour.

They agreed to jointly organise seminars and talks on promoting investment, trade and tourism, and to facilitate business exchanges as part of the celebrations of the 40 th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

The two sides also consented to boost collaboration and provide mutual support at multilateral and international forums. Cyprus pledged to back Vietnam’s bid to be elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.

The Republic of Cyprus and Vietnam officially established diplomatic ties in December 1975. Since then, bilateral ties have grown continuously. The two countries have conducted regular exchange visits and provided mutual support for issues of shared concern.-VNA