Vietnam, Azerbaijan eye stronger cooperation

The statement was announced at a meeting in Baku between Truong Thi Mai, head of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee's Mass Mobilisation Commission, and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who is also Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP). Host and guest recalled historical milestones in bilateral ties and said that the relationship is thriving. Vietnam credited the NAP's support for the Azerbaijani government advancing ties with Vietnam and considering the country an important partner in Asia-Pacific, Mai said. During her talks with Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmedov, who is also Vice Chairman of the NAP, the two sides agreed that the two parties need to promote cooperation, exchange information and experience of each party across professional fields as well as increase exchange of delegations and intensify coordination at regional and international multilateral forums. While in Azerbaijan from September 9-13, Mai met with Deputy Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Bahar Muradova and Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammed-Guliyev. The Vietnamese official and Deputy Speaker Muradova agreed that legislative ties between Vietnam and Azerbaijan have made significant strides. The establishment of the Azerbaijan-Vietnam and Vietnam-Azerbaijan Friendship Parliamentarians' Groups plays an important role in consolidating bilateral relations, they said. They called on the two legislative bodies to intensify exchanges in law-making, inspection and supervision. Additionally, Mai and Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammed-Guliev compared notes on regional and international issues of shared concern. They also talked about measures to improve the efficiency of cooperation and materialise high-level agreements reached by the two countries, aiming for 1 billion USD trade in the future. Mai told Azerbaijan National TV that she was impressed by the efforts of Vietnam and Azerbaijan to boost their relationship. She also used the occasion to extend Vietnam's viewpoints on several national and international issues, as well as the country's stance on the East Sea issue.

(Source :VN)