There is room for Vietnam and Venezuela to beef up their economic and trade ties for the benefit of both countries, stated Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc.

During the fifth political consultation between the two Foreign Ministries in Hanoi on March 10, Ngoc affirmed that Vietnam continually focused on furthering the multi-dimensional partnership with Venezuela .

During the consultation, the two sides agreed that the third meeting of the Vietnam-Venezuela Inter-Governmental Meeting in Hanoi from March 9-11 presents a good chance to review and complete cooperation mechanisms while seeking ways to boost the bilateral comprehensive partnership.

The meeting will also discuss measures to expand collaboration in other areas, including energy, oil & gas, agro-forestry, manufacturing and food production, they concurred.

Venezuelan Deputy Minister Xoan Pablo Noya thanked Vietnam for supporting the late President Hugo Chavez as well as the current government led by President Nicolas Maduro.

He lauded Vietnam ’s achievements during its reform process over the past three decades.

Both sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern and agreed to support the principle of settling sovereignty disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law.

They pledged to continue their close coordination at the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement and Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation as well as other multilateral and international organisation forums-VNA