Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung received the newly-appointed ambassadors of Sri Lanka and Greece in Hanoi on May 6.

Meeting with the Sri Lankan Ambassador, Kalahe Gamage Ivan Amarasinghe, PM Dung asserted wishes to continue bolstering Vietnam ’s wide-ranging cooperation, especially in economies, with Sri Lanka .

Mentioning the two countries’ celebration of their 40-year diplomatic ties this year, the PM pointed to the need for both to coordinate in organising practical and effective activities to herald the event.

He expressed his hope that the new ambassador will enthusiastically contribute to boosting the two countries’ friendship, particularly deploying the signed agreements for both sides’ mutual benefits.

The Sri Lankan Ambassador conveyed his Government’s wish to work with Vietnam in projects spurring economic development, especially in the fields which are Sri Lanka ’s strength.

He said he expected these cooperative projects would be fruitful for the interest of both nations.

At his reception for Greek Ambassador Rose Ieremia, PM Dung expressed his sympathy on economic difficulties the European country has been struggling.

He said he believed that by exerting their joint efforts and with the international community’s assistance, the Greek Government and people will soon overcome this difficult time to stabilise and develop their economy.

Emphasising the need to boost bilateral cooperation in economies, trade, tourism and investment, PM Dung also pointed out that the two countries should sign an agreement on double taxation avoidance as soon as possible as part of efforts to push up their economic cooperation.

The Greek diplomat stressed that while rendering endeavours to surmount the disadvantaged circumstance in terms of finance, the Greek Government still wants to build and further its multi-faceted relationship with Vietnam .

The new ambassador spoke highly of Vietnam ’s socio-economic development achievements and its untapped potential and said she will work with relevant Vietnamese agencies to take necessary measures to increase the number of Greek tourist arrivals in Vietnam in the coming time./.