Vietnam and Israel will further strengthen and develop multifaceted cooperation in the near future, especially in the fields of science and technology, agriculture, trade, investment and tourism.

The consensus was reached by Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang and his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres at their talks in Hanoi on Nov. 23.

President Sang welcomed President Peres’ visit to Vietnam, saying that it is a vivid manifestation of growing cooperation between the two peoples.

He informed his guest of outstanding achievements during Vietnam’s renewal and affirmed the country’s consistent diplomatic policy of being willing to be a friend and trustworthy partner of countries in the international community, striving for peace, independence and development.

In its diplomatic policy of diversification and multilateralisation, Vietnam attaches importance to developing friendship and cooperation with Middle East countries, including Israeli, President Sang said.

The State leader added that Vietnam will support dialogue and peaceful settlement of conflicts, including the Israel – Palestine conflict, on the basis of international law, ensuring legitimate interests of concerned parties.

President Peres expressed his admiration for President Ho Chi Minh and achievements made by the Vietnamese people in the fight for national independence in the past as well as the national construction and development cause at present.

The Israeli President said he wished the Vietnamese people would obtain greater achievements in implementing the socio-economic development goals, to build a rich and strong country which plays an increasing role in the international arena.

The two leaders shared views on international and regional issues of mutual concern and expressed their hope to boost information exchange to actively contribute to common efforts for peace, stability, cooperation and development

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a Maritime Transport Agreement and a supplementary document for the Protocol on Financial Cooperation between Vietnam and Israel./.