Vietnam always attaches importance to developing ties with Qatar , an important partner in the Persian Gulf , Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has said.

Receiving visiting Qatari Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani in Hanoi on Jan. 17, Party General Secretary Trong asked the two countries to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of their strength, contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the world.

Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani expressed his delight at visiting Vietnam for the first time and thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their hospitality.

He spoke highly of Vietnam ’s achievements in national building and development as well as the country’s prestige and position in the region and the world.

On the occasion, the Qatari Emir said he hopes that the two countries will continue to promote cooperation in all fields, especially in trade, investment, labour, education and training./.