President welcomes Ambassadors of UAE, Sri Lanka, Chile

Hanoi (VNA) – President Vo Van Thuong on April 18 received the Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka and Chile to Vietnam who came to present their credentials.

Welcoming UAE Ambassador Bader Almatrooshi, Thuong extended his best wishes to the diplomat during the holy month of Ramadan - the month of fasting for Muslims. He expressed his hope that the diplomat will act as a bridge boosting the two countries’ relations.

Bader Almatrooshi suggested the two countries promote cooperation in socio-culture and education.

The UAE is currently Vietnam’s leading trade partner in the Middle East, with annual two-way trade of 8 billion USD, he said, adding that his country wants to expand collaboration with Vietnam in various fields, as potential remains huge.

He proposed both sides step up high-level contacts to tighten political ties, especially on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

President Thuong stressed the need for appropriate measures to soon bring two-way trade to 10 billion USD, adding he hopes the UAE will promote investment in Vietnam, particularly in education, culture and tourism.

At his reception for Sri Lankan Ambassador Sajeewa Umanga Mendis, Thuong affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to developing its traditional friendship and multifaceted collaboration with Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan diplomat appreciated Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements, and showed his hope that the two sides will maintain cooperation and experience sharing, and boost people-to-people exchanges.

Thuong emphasised the importance of promoting high-level contacts and people-to-people diplomacy to intensify friendship and mutual understanding; and stepping up the implementation of existing cooperation mechanisms.

They agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in trade and investment, and share experience in poverty reduction, human development, education, health and culture.

Receiving Chilean Ambassador Sergio Narea Guzman, the leader expressed his delight at the development of the Vietnam-Chile relations through the regular exchange of delegations and people-to-people diplomacy.

The two sides also need to promote existing cooperation mechanisms, support each other at multilateral forums, and share views and visions on international and regional issues.

With a two-way trade of more than 2 billion USD, there remains an ample room for bilateral cooperation, noted Thuong.

The Chilean ambassador expressed his hope that the two nations will expand collaboration in all fields, especially politics, economics and people-to-people exchanges./.