Vietnam treasures co-operation with Saudi Arabia

The State leader made this statement at a June 10 reception for outgoing Saudi Arabian Ambassador Salah Ahmed Hamed Sarhan, in which he highly praised the diplomat's contributions during his term in office.

President Sang also thanked Saudi Arabia for backing Vietnam's bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2014-2016 term, and voiced his hope that the country will continue to support Vietnam's candidacy to become a member of the UN Socio-Economic Council and acquire a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council.

With great economic co-operation potential between the two sides, the President suggested the two countries need to put forward measures to multiply current two-way trade turnover.

In addition to boosting labour co-operation and promoting the opening of direct air routes, the two countries should enhance collaboration in the field of oil and gas; a sphere in which Vietnam is collaborating with other countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Latin America, he said.

Highlighting the impressive development of the Middle Eastern country, the Vietnamese leader invited the King of Saudi Arabia to visit Vietnam in the future, and expressed his hope that the departing diplomat will continue to further boost the flourishing ties between the two countries.

For his part, Ambassador Salah declared that the ties between two countries have seen development in all fields, especially trade and labour co-operation.

He made it clear Saudi Arabia always regards Vietnam as an important partner. The two sides have inked many co-operation agreements and their Intergovernmental Committee's effective work has created a solid foundation for further bilateral co-operation.

(Source: Nhandan Online)