President Truong Tan Sang has proposed that Belarus create further favourable conditions for Vietnamese businesses to expand their investment in the country, firstly in the area of telecommunications.

Meeting Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei in Hanoi on March 24, he suggested that the two countries work harder for the prompt signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Customs Union of Russia-Belarus-Kazakhstan, enabling the involved parties to enter each other’s markets.

The deal will also allow enterprises from both Vietnam and Belarus strengthen their partnership, he said.

President Sang emphasised that Vietnam is eager to welcome President Lukashenko to the country in the coming time. The visit is expected to mark a milestone in bilateral ties, he added.

Briefing his host on the outcomes of his talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh, Makei said Belarus attaches much importance to developing ties with Vietnam and is keen on beefing up the traditional relationship with the country, especially through high-level exchanges.

He said that despite progress in bilateral trade and investment ties, cooperation potential between Vietnam and the 120 million-strong market of Belarus remains high.

Belarus wants to foster cooperation with Vietnam in education, training and tourism, said Makei.

The minister also affirmed Belarus ’ support for Vietnam at regional and international forums.-VNA