Vietnamese Ambassador to Ethiopia Nguyen Nam Tien (right) presents his letter of credentials to chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat. (Photo: VNA) Pretoria (VNA) – Vietnam wishes to strengthencooperation with the African Union (AU) in the fields of politics, diplomacy,economy, trade, investment and culture, and in United Nations peacekeeping operationsin Africa, Vietnamese Ambassador to Ethiopia Nguyen Nam Tien has said.
He made the statement while presenting his letter of credentialsto chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa FakiMahamat in Addis Ababa on December 15, marking the official establishment of Vietnam-AUdiplomatic relations.
The diplomatunderlined that Vietnam stands ready to make more direct and proactive contributions tothe AU's common effort for an African of integration, prosperity and peace,that is promoted by the African people themselves and represents a dynamic force on theglobal arena.
Ambassador Tien said he will do his utmost to lift cooperative ties between Vietnam and theAU to a new height.
The diplomat briefed the host about Vietnam'srecent achievements, saying that the country has established diplomaticties with 189 out of 193UN members and trade relations with more than 230 economies. It iscurrentlythe 4th largest economy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN)and 37th in the world. The agricultural sector, as a driving force ofthe country's economy, has contributed to ensuring national foodsecurity and creating jobsfor millions of workers, thus contributing to povertyreduction and social welfare, he added.
In Africa, Vietnam has set up diplomatic ties with 54 out of 55countries and will soon establish diplomatic relations with Malawi.
The chairperson of the African UnionCommission spoke highly of the achievements Vietnam has obtainedin national construction and development, while highlighting the country'simportant role in ASEAN.
He said he believes that in the coming time, Vietnam will make greater contributionsto Agenda 2063 for peace and security in Africa, contributing to strengthening all-round cooperation between Vietnam and Africa.
Ambassador Tien took this occasion to convey President Vo Van Thuong’sinvitation to the chairperson of the Africa Union Commission to visit Vietnam soon./.
