Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung hosted a reception in Hanoi on June 18 for Zaigham Uddin Azam, who came to take up his new post as Ambassador of Pakistan.

The PM suggested that both sides should facilitate all-level visits to realise and outline new joint initiatives, with trade, health care, culture, education, national defence and security as all priorities.

On the economic front, Dung made it clear that the Vietnamese Government always strives to assist Pakistani firms in every possible way, and hopes that the partner country will be able to take an equally positive attitude.

Giving the nod to the guest’s proposal of launching a direct Vietnam to Pakistan air route, the leader said this should be done as soon as possible so as to promote trade, investment and tourism between the two nations.

It is also necessary to work closely together at global forums, especially the United Nations, the Prime Minister said.

Zaigham Uddin Azam, in turn, vowed to carry the bilateral partnership forward, especially in such promising fields as food processing, aquaculture, farming and national defence.

He expressed his hope of receiving all possible assistance from the Vietnamese Government during his tenure here.-VNA