Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Phuong Nga visited Iran and attended the fifth political consultation with her Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, on April 13-14, as part of an agreement reached by the two foreign ministries.

During the visit, Nga paid a courtesy call to Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi.

She also met with Deputy Minister of Commerce, Industries and Mines Massoud Movahedi, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines Seyed Mehdi Miraboutalebi, and head of the Iran – Vietnam Friendship Association Seyed Kamal Sajjadi.

During the meetings, the two sides informed each other of political and socio-economic situation in each country and highly valued encouraging developments in bilateral all-around ties over the past years, especially in the realms of politics, diplomacy, agriculture, education and training.

Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi hailed Vietnam’s achievements, role and position in the region and the world. He affirmed that Iran is willing to boost traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam.

The two sides agreed that the two nations need to further improve the efficiency of cooperation to match their potentials and meet aspirations of their high-ranking leaders and people.

In order to fulfill such goals, the two sides need to coordinate in holding activities to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties, (August, 1973-2013), step up the exchange of all-level delegations, and enhance links in economics, trade, agriculture, fishery, education, training and tourism.

They also agreed to actively prepare for the eighth meeting of the Vietnam – Iran Joint Committee, and speed up negotiations for the signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement as well as memorandums of understanding on cooperation in culture, customs and plant protection and quarantine.

At these meetings, the two sides also discussed regional and global issues of mutual concern.-VNA