Vietnam attaches a lot of importance to bilateral ties with Colombia and other Latin American countries.

President Nguyen Minh Triet stated this at a meeting with his Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos, in New York on September 23 on the sidelines of the 65th UN General Assembly.

He also congratulated his guest for being re-elected as President of Columbia for the 2010-2014 term.

President Santos stressed that Colombia sees relations with Vietnam very important for enhancing ties with other Asian countries.

He also mentioned the president of HSBC’s proposal to establish a CIVETS group of fast growing countries, including Colombia , Indonesia , Vietnam , Egypt , Turkey and South Africa , thanks to their dynamic developing economies, young labour force, stable political systems and potential to develop faster developing in the near future.

He said he believed that establishing CIVETS group would create more chances for these countries to promote their image and attract more investment. He also asked officials of Vietnam and Colombia to discuss the matter further.

Both leaders agreed to boost bilateral relations, especially in economic-trade cooperation and support each other at international organisations and forums.

On receiving Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokk Rasmussen the same day, President Triet expressed his pleasure at the positive development of bilateral ties, especially in investment and trade.

He said Vietnam is keen to strengthen cooperation with Denmark for the mutual interests of both countries.

He also thanked Denmark for assisting Vietnam during its development process and for its commitment of ODA to the Southeast Asian country until 2015, saying that he hoped Danish investors will invest more in Vietnam .

PM Rasmussen praised Vietnam ’s contributions to the region and emphasised potential cooperation with the country, especially in economics.

He said mutual visits of senior officials from both countries, including the Danish Queen’s visit to Vietnam in 2009, have contributed to boosting bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

He said he believed that the number of Danish businesses in Vietnam will increase sharply from over 100 at present.

The PM also suggested the two countries take measures to enhance cooperation in other fields, including tourism and education.

When meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, President Triet said that he expected both countries to increase economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture.

He also reiterated Vietnam ’s consistent support for Cuba and called for the end of the US ’ embargo on Cuba .

Minister Rodriguez confirmed that Cuba always considers Vietnam a successful model of economic development and hopes for increased cooperative ties with the Southeast Asian country./.