Hungary and Vietnam have both been trying their best to raise the benefits reaped from their traditional cooperation over the past six decades to a more comprehensive and practical level.

These views were shared by Hungarian Ambassador to Vietnam Vizzi Laszlo and the President of the Vietnam-Hungary Friendship Association’s HCM City Chapter, Le Minh Triet, at a ceremony to mark Hungary ’s National Day in Ho Chi Minh City on August 21.

Triet said members of the Vietnam -Hungary Friendship Association “are ready to join in contributing to” developing and diversifying the ties between the two countries, particularly education and training cooperation.

Last year, the two countries signed an education cooperation agreement for the 2008-2011 along with three other cooperation agreements during Hungarian President Solyom Laszlo’s visit to Vietnam .

Hungary opened its second trade and investment promotion office in Ho Chi Minh City early this year, which acts as a representative for small and medium-sized Hungarian businesses in Vietnam .

According to the Hungarian Ambassador, his country is embarking on economy-targeted diplomatic activities to prepare for its next phase of dynamic cooperation with Vietnam in the post-crisis period.

The Ambassador also emphasised new cooperation opportunities for both countries in the fight against climate change, the treatment of environmental pollution, the management of water resources, healthcare and tourism.

Hungary officially provided ODA to Vietnam in 2004. Though the ODA remains very modest, it has been used for projects that brought in benefits for national development, which is highly valued by Vietnam./.