Argentinean President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner on January 18 started her 4-day visit to Vietnam to open cooperative opportunities between the two countries.

The visit comes at the time when the two countries are planning a series of programmes to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties, a landmark in their bilateral ties, Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Nguyen Van Dao said in a recent interview with Vietnam News Agency.

The two sides are expected to intensify delegation exchanges and other activities to foster cooperation in economics, culture, trade and politics, said Dao, adding that bilateral relations will grow and flourish after the visit.

The diplomat said that cooperation potential is huge as the two countries share similarities in certain domains, especially in development goals.

He cited science and technology, and agriculture as particular sectors the two sides should focus on.

In response to a question on plans to foster the relationship, the diplomat suggested four measures, including celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties, increasing two-way trade from US$1 to 2 billion, boosting cooperation in science and technology, and investing in oil and gas, power projects, the postal service and telecommunications.

VNA