Trade promotion and tourism cooperation should be prioritised between Vietnam and Turkey , said a seminar in Hanoi on April 5.

The seminar, jointly held by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and the Centre of Strategic Research under the Turkish Embassy, marks the 35 th anniversary of the two countries’ bilateral diplomatic ties.

Associate Prof. Dr . Do Duc Dinh, a senior expert of the Research Institute of Africa and the Middle East, said it is time for Vietnam to pay attention to and give priority to expanding cooperation with Turkey, which is expected to become a trustworthy partner and a bridge to help Vietnam further ties with countries in Western Asia, Africa and Europe.

The solution is to start negotiating a free trade agreement with the country as soon as possible, he said.

Vietnam-Turkey ties have seen rapid, practical and effective development since 1997, when the two countries inked a bilateral trade agreement.

The same year, Turkey opened its embassy in Hanoi and six years later, the Vietnamese Embassy officially commenced operations in Ankara , Turkey ’s capital.

Since then, Vietnam has considered Turkey as one of its leading partners, proven by the fact that the country is now Vietnam ’s largest trade partner in Western Asia .

Cooperation in investment, tourism, labour and strategic dialogue has also enjoyed remarkable outcomes.

With a special strategic and geographical location in both Asia and Europe, and a proactive foreign policy that is adjusted to suit the new situation, Turkey has proven its significant role in both regions and its capacity to balance relations between developed countries in Europe, America and developing nations.

The new moves offer both opportunities and challenges in the efforts to develop the comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Turkey.-VNA