The Vietnamese Government wants to further tighten the traditional friendship with the Republic of Botswana, a Vietnamese diplomat has said.

The new Vietnamese Ambassador to the African country, Le Huy Hoang, made the assertion during a recent meeting with Botswana President Seretse Khama Ian Khama in the capital city of Gaborone, during which he presented his credentials to the host.

Hoang congratulated Botswana on the great achievements that the country has achieved in recent years under the leadership of the Botswana Democratic Party, which has contributed to peace and development in Africa and the world.

He also urged the Botswana Government to soon recognise Vietnam’s market economy, and called on it to support Vietnam’s candidacy for membership of the UNESCO Executive Council, the UN Economic and Social Council and the United Nations Security Council.

The diplomat also proposed several measures to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, especially in economics, trade, educations and agriculture production.

For his part, Ian Khama expressed his hope that the ambassador, in his new position, will serve as a bridge to forge links between the two sides, contributing to promoting their friendship and cooperation.

He also suggested that the two countries should soon sign a cooperative agreement on economics, culture and technical science, as well as hasten negotiations on the implementation of agricultural projects under a trilateral cooperation model in Botswana.

In regards to recent developments in the East Sea, the host voiced his deep concern about China’s illegally placement of an oil rig in Vietnam’s waters, affirming that the use of battleships to threaten and provoke small countries is an outdated and dangerous policy.

All disputes should be solved through peaceful measures in line with international law, the President noted.-VNA