The Honourary Consulate General of Malta in Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony on September 21 to celebrate Malta’s 50th National Day and the 40th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.

Addressing the event, Malta’s Honourary Consul General Huynh Trung Khanh said that Malta was one of the first countries in Europe which set up diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1974 and their relationship has been continuously fostered and developed since then.

Vietnam and Malta hold great prospects for bilateral cooperation, especially in economy, trade, investment, finance and tourism, he said.

Malta serves as a gateway for Vietnam to enter the European, African and Middle East markets while Vietnam connects Malta with the Southeast Asian region, he added.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Ha spoke highly of the people of Malta’s sentiments towards Vietnam during the struggle for national independence.

He expressed hope that in the coming time the ties between Ho Chi Minh City and Malta will flourish in various fields.

At the ceremony, Khanh also announced that Demajo Group of Malta and Vietnam’s I.value Joint Stock Company will be responsible for linking the two countries’ businesses and supporting their activities.

On this occasion, the Honourary Consulate General of Malta and partners launched a Malta Week in Vietnam from September 21-26, focusing activities to promote trade between the two countries.-VNA