President Truong Tan Sang told Ali Mohamed Shein, President of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous territory of Tanzania, that there is room for Vietnam and Zanzibar to boost bilateral cooperation, especially in economics, trade, agriculture, and food security.

Receiving Shein in Hanoi on November 23, Sang applauded the President’s visit, expressing his delight at the development of the relations between Vietnam and Tanzania , including Zanzibar, which is shown in two-way trade reaching 100 million USD.

Speaking highly of Tanzania’s increasing role in East Africa and the United Nations framework, Sang affirmed that Vietnam treasure ties with African countries, including Tanzania .

Lauding the outcomes of the talks between Ali Mohamed Shein and Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan, he suggested that the two sides review all signed agreements and negotiate new ones to create sound legal grounds for the enhancement of bilateral cooperation.

Vietnam is willing to share its agricultural knowledge with Tanzania, send experts to Tanzania to help the country in the field and create favourable conditions for businesses of both countries to penetrate each other’s market.

For his part, Shein underlined the friendship between the two countries, reiterating that the two countries have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in bilateral frameworks as well as at international forums.

He said he hopes Vietnam will share its experience in development model and food security. He proposed that the two countries foster cooperation in areas of each other’s strengths - agriculture, fisheries, education and training.

Regarding international cooperation, Shein affirmed that his country is ready to back Vietnam in bids to join United Nations member organisations, as well as the recognition of the country’s market economy.

He forwarded the Tanzanian President’s invitation for Sang to visit his country to lift relations between the two countries.

The same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also met President Ali Mohamed Shein, saying that Vietnam attaches importance to the strengthening of comprehensive cooperation with Tanzania .

He expressed his gratitude to Tanzania for the support it has given Vietnam in the fight for independence in the past, as well as the current cause of national construction and development.

Shein affirmed that his country treasure ties with Vietnam and wants to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in agriculture and fisheries, while expressing his hope that the country will share its national development experience, especially in reducing poverty.

The two sides agreed to create favourable conditions for businesses of both countries to increase cooperation, especially in telecommunications, to raise bilateral trade.

They also agreed on mutual support at international forums.-VNA