The foreign ministries of Vietnam and Israel held the third joint political consultation on May 14 during Deputy Foreign Minister Le Luong Minh’s visit to Israel.

At the consultation, the two sides briefed each other on the political and socio-economic situation in each country. They expressed their delight at the development of the two countries’ relations and cooperation in various fields, particularly after the Vietnam visit of President Shimon Peres in November, 2011.

The Israel side spoke highly of Vietnam ’s economic achievements in past years, while affirming that Israel wants to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam , particularly in agriculture, trade, science, technology, health care, education and training.

The Vietnamese side asserted that the country is ready to step up cooperation with Israel to maximise each other’s strengths.

Vietnam asked Israel to receive more Vietnamese apprentices in agriculture and open its market to Vietnamese labour.

The two sides agreed to exchange delegations of all levels and step up people-to-people exchanges to celebrate the 20 th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Israel diplomatic relations in 2013.

They also promised to coordinate and support each other in international forums.

They agreed to foster the establishment of a joint committee and the signing of several agreements, including an investment encouragement and protection agreement, in order to facilitate bilateral cooperation.

The two sides also discussed regional and international issues of common concern.

The two sides agreed to maintain the joint political consultation between two foreign ministries, with the fourth session to be held in Vietnam next year.

Earlier on May 13, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Luong Minh held a working session with Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, Daniel Ayalon.-VNA