Vietnam attaches importance to consolidating and strengthening traditional relations with Belarus , affirmed President Truong Tan Sang.

While receiving Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich in Hanoi on Nov. 30, the State leader said that Vietnam is always grateful to the Belarusian people’s valuable assistance to Vietnam during the national construction and defence.

He added that he is moved once receiving visiting Belarusian war veterans in Vietnam .

The President spoke highly of the results of the talks between PM Mikhail Myasnikovich and his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Tan Dung, which, he said, have focused on measures to further strengthen bilateral ties, especially in economics, trade and investment, and promptly start negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Belarus-Russia-Kazakhstan tariff alliance.

Sang congratulated Belarus on its assumption of the role as an observer of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (ASEAN). He affirmed that Vietnam is ready to serve as a bridge for Belarus to expand and develop relations with ASEAN.

He thanked Belarus for its support for the Vietnamese community in the country over the past time.

For his part, PM Mikhail Myasnikovich affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner and a top priority in Belarus ’ foreign policy.

He thanked President Sang and the Vietnamese Government for their effective support for Belarus ’ proposals and initiatives at regional forums.

Expressing his optimism about several Belarusian projects in Vietnam , the PM said he believes that the two countries will have more large-scale joint venture works in each other’s territory.

He suggested Vietnam strengthen cooperation with Belarus in various areas, including scientific research, education and training, and military technique.

On the same day, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and its Belarusian counterpart held a seminar to introduce the potential of the Belarusian market and provide a chance for the two countries’ businesses to seek cooperation.

Speaking at the event, VCCI General Secretary Pham Thi Thu Hang said Vietnam and Belarus have signed a number of agreements to boost bilateral ties.

At present, the two countries are implementing some cooperation projects in industry, truck assembling, oil and gas, forest product processing, education and training and labour.

However, she noted that these results remain modest compared to the potential of the two countries.

Vietnam is speeding up reform to facilitate the operations of all economic sectors and boost infrastructure development with a view to attracting more foreign investment, she said./.