Vietnam and Belarus have affirmed their determination to consolidate the traditional bilateral friendship and expand political exchanges.

In a joint communiqué issued by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Belarusian PM Mikhail Myasnikovich during the latter’s visit to Vietnam, the two sides agreed to improve the effectiveness of cooperation in trade, sci-tech, and other sectors and continue to coordinate together at international forums.

During the talks, Prime Minister Dung expressed his pleasure at important results Belarus has achieved in the cause of socio-economic development and in maintaining political stability and consolidating its international position.

Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich spoke highly of Vietnam ’s achievements in its renewal process and its efforts to improve the country’s position and prestige in the international arena.

The two sides positively valued the results of meetings and delegation exchanges at all levels, including high-ranking ones between Vietnam-Belarus.

The implementation of agreements reached during visits by the two countries’ leaders in 2008 and 2010 created a new driving force for bilateral cooperation, they said.

The two sides also reached agreement on the organisation of regular meetings of the Vietnam-Belarus Inter-Governmental Cooperation Committees on economics, trade, science and technology and military technology in 2012.

The two PMs welcomed proposals made by the two countries’ State agencies and businesses to boost trade ties, including the completion of payment mechanisms and conditions for supply of goods, the provision of services and equipment maintenance, and consensus on joint action plans in third country markets.

To ensure financial sources for joint projects and trade activities between the two countries, the two sides planned to enhance banking sector cooperation.

The two Government leaders spoke highly of their countries’ cooperation in education and support for expansion of that cooperation.

The two PMs supported greater cooperation between localities of the two countries, including the capital cities of Hanoi and Minsk , as well as Ho Chi Minh City and Minsk .

To facilitate cooperative development between the two peoples, the two sides will consider the simplification of migration procedures for citizens of both nations.

Vietnam highly appreciated the efforts of Belarus to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Belarus , consolidating the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Vietnam also welcomed Belarus ’s intention to send an Honorary Consul to Ho Chi Minh City in future.

The two leaders recognised the similarities in their perceptions towards international and regional issues, affirming that the two countries are willing to work more closely within the framework of the UN and other international organisations of which they are the members, in accordance with common viewpoints clarified in the joint statement signed between the two countries’ leaders in May, 2010 in Minsk.

Vietnam highly valued the position and role of Belarus in the connection processes within the Belarus-Kazakhstan-Russia Customs Union and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

The two sides affirmed their determination to soon hold negotiations on setting up a free trade area between Vietnam and the Belarus-Kazakhstan-Russia Customs Union.

Belarus also highly appreciated Vietnam ’s contributions to ensuring peace, stability and development in Southeast Asia, as well as its good performance as ASEAN Chair in 2010, while Vietnam affirmed that it is ready to help Belarus to develop cooperative ties with ASEAN countries.

During his visit to Vietnam from Nov. 29-Dec. 1, PM Mikhail Myasnikovich met with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and State President Truong Tan Sang.

He also delivered a speech at the Vietnam-Belarus Business Forum, visited the Belarus booth at Vietnam Expo 2011 in Ho Chi Minh City and toured some Vietnamese landscapes./.