Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has emphasised strong growth prospects for the Vietnam-Qatar ties, which is based on positive diplomatic relations and substantial and steadily increasing trade between the two countries, in his recent interview with Qatar Tribune.

"Vietnam and Qatar enjoy very good political and diplomatic relations, and we have recorded a number of achievements in recent years. The potential for further promoting our bilateral relations is huge and needs to be tapped in the future. What we have achieved so far is not commensurate with this potential, and we hope that in future we will make further efforts so that we can increase cooperation in many areas,” the Deputy PM said.

Vietnam and Qatar first established diplomatic relations 20 years ago, he said, adding that his official visit to Qatar on December 14-15 was to further and promote bilateral relations in several spheres, including economic, cultural, social as well as in terms of investment and tourism.

In recent years, Vietnam and Qatar have been seeing their relations developing in various sectors, according to the Deputy PM. The two countries have exchanged a number of high-level visits, while the bilateral economic relations between Qatar and Vietnam also enjoy steady development.

He noted that bilateral trade turnover reached 265 million USD in 2013, an 8 percent increase over the previous year."This tendency will also continue in the future," he added.

Coinciding with the official visit, 'Vietnam Days in Qatar 2014' was held in Doha, including a series of political, economic, and cultural activities to strengthen the cooperative and friendly relationship in various sectors and to promote cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Qatar.

He said his official visit to Qatar as well as 'Vietnam Days in Qatar' demonstrate that the government of Vietnam attaches great importance to relations with Qatar.

“We would also like to maintain a good exchange of high-level delegations and bring to Qatar the images of the Vietnamese people, and of our country. We have a lot of activities that will take place in the coming days," he added.

The Deputy PM attended the Vietnam-Qatar Economic Cooperation Forum, a highlight of Vietnam Days in Qatar 2014.

He praised Qatar's rapid development and its people's hospitality, congratulating the country on its fast development in such a short period of time.-VNA