Vietnam always wishes to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with African countries, including Ethiopia, said Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh during talks with his visiting Ethiopian counterpart Demeke Mekonnen in Hanoi on November 28.

Ninh congratulated the Ethiopian people on their impressive achievements gained during the national development and spoke highly of the country’s active contributions to peace, stability and cooperation in Africa.

Demeke Mekonnen said his country wants to study Vietnam’s development experience in agriculture, industry and trade, especially its international integration and negotiations for joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

At the talks, the two sides informed each other of their respective countries’ situation as well as exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea issue.

They also discussed orientations and measures to strengthen bilateral collaboration in the fields of politics-diplomacy, economy-trade, investment, agriculture, air transport, education and health.

Both sides agreed to increase the exchange of high-level delegations, maintain regular contacts between ministries and agencies, and continue close and effective coordination at international forums such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Regarding the economic field, they agreed that trade and agriculture will be two priorities in their cooperation in the coming time.

Ninh affirmed that Vietnam is willing to serve as a bridge for Ethiopia to enter its market in particular and the ASEAN market in general. He also thanked the Ethiopian Government for recognising Vietnam as a market-oriented economy.-VNA