President Truong Tan Sang has reiterated Vietnam’s foreign policy of attaching special importance to relations with traditional friends, including Congo.

The President received Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Basile Ikouebe in Hanoi on October 30.

He thanked the Congolese people for their support for Vietnam during its past struggle for national independence as well as current development.

Sharing the same view with Minister Basile Ikouebe on the need of fostering bilateral ties, President Sang suggested the two sides enhance cooperation in every aspect in preparation for the visit to Vietnam by Congolese President Denis Sassou N’guesso and the Vietnam-Congo Intergovernmental Committee’s 2 nd meeting in 2014.

Vietnam is ready to cooperate with Congo in the fields of information technology, health, education, oil and gas, he said, adding that the two nations need to work out specific projects to realise their commitments.

For his part, Basile Ikouebe extended his deep condolences to the Vietnamese Party, State and people over the death of General Vo Nguyen Giap, who is admired by the Congolese people.

As the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2014, the minister said that his country wants to further strengthen cooperation with Vietnam .

Vietnam and Congo boast their own strengths and this is a favourable condition for them to boost cooperation, he noted, affirming that his visit is a step towards the celebration of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Congo is actively working with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to prepare for the Vietnam-Congo Intergovernmental Committee meeting, he added.

During its economic restructuring, Congo pays attention to Vietnam ’s strengths such as mining, agriculture and aquaculture, and is willing to facilitate Vietnamese businesses’ investment in the country, he said.-VNA