The leaders and people of Vanuatu attach special importance to developing relations with Vietnam , Vanuatu President Iolu Johnson Abbil has said.

The President made the affirmation at a reception for Vietnamese Ambassador to the country Luong Thanh Nghi, who presented credentials to him in the capital city of Port Vila on August 12.

He spoke highly of contributions that the Vietnamese community has made to the construction and development of Vanuatu over the past decade.

For his part, Nghi hailed Vanuatu ’s socio-economic achievements and expressed his belief that the traditional friendship between the two countries will further grow in the future.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese ambassador paid courtesy visits to Vanuatu Prime Minister Joe Natuman, Speaker of the Parliament Philip Boedoro, Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism Lini Vanuaroroa and Acting Foreign Minister Charlot Salwai, among others.

The Vanuatu leaders said they admired Vietnam ’s struggle for national independence in the past and its socio-economic achievements in recent years. They also praised the increasing role and position of Vietnam in the global arena.

Ambassador Nghi also visited the association of over 500 Vietnamese people living in Vanuatu during which he said he hopes the community will serve as a bridge for the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.-VNA